GROWTH HORMONE AND
PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME
S E C O N D
E D I T I O N
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
Donald G. Goranson, Jr., Editor
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
Published By:
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (Usa)
8588 Potter Park Drive, Suite 500
Sarasota, Florida 34238
Toll Free: 800-926-4797
Local: 941-312-0400
Fax: 941-312-0142
www.pwsausa.org
© Copyright 2011
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
Growth Hormone and
Prader-Willi Syndrome
S E C O N D
E D I T I O N
A Reference for Families
and Care Providers
Donald G. Goranson, Jr., Editor
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
Contents
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Introduction and History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Prader-Willi Syndrome and Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
Effects of Growth Hormone Treatment in Children with PWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
What Is Involved in Growth Hormone Treatment? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Questions, Wisdom and Survey Data from our Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Appendix:
A. Overview of Prader-Willi Syndrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
B. Information Resources on Prader-Willi Syndrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
C. Information Resources on Growth Hormone Use and Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
D. Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
E. Growth Hormone Studies of Children and Adults with PWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
F. Historic June 2000 Announcement from PWSA (USA) of FDA Genotropin® Approval . . . . . . 58
G.Growth Hormone Treatment and Prader-Willi Syndrome:
PWSA (USA) Clinical Advisory Board Consensus Statement, June 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
H. Bibliography on PWS and Growth Hormone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
I. PWSA (USA) Growth Hormone Precautions Statement, February 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
J. Recommendations for Evaluation of Breathing Abnormalities Associated
with Sleep in Prader-Willi Syndrome, December 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
3
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
About This Publication
EDITOR — The second edition of this publication was edited by Don Goranson, a recent retiree, who
worked in the communications industry for 42 years. Goranson began his career in radio as a broadcast
journalist; moved into newspapering and held the positions of reporter, assistant city editor and managing
editor with a company that published both daily and weekly newspapers; and then rounded out his career
in the Office of Communications of the Connecticut State Department of Education as Publications Unit
Coordinator. Goranson served for seven years as vice president of PWSA (USA), for six years as a member
of the Board of Directors of PWSA (USA), and is a former president of PWSA (USA)’s Connecticut Chapter.
He served as both consulting editor and production coordinator of the first edition of Growth Hormone and
Prader-Willi Syndrome — A Reference for Families and Care Providers, published in 2001. Married to Margaret
Goranson, Don and Peg make their home in Bristol, Connecticut, and are the parents of David, a 42-yearold with Prader-Willi syndrome.
DESIGNER — Design and layout of this publication are the work of Andrea Wadowski of Burlington,
Connecticut. Ms. Wadowski’s graphic design was also featured in the 2001 edition of this publication.
SPECIAL THANKS — We wish to extend a heartfelt word of thanks to Linda Keder of Silver Spring,
Maryland, a freelance editor and past editor of the PWSA (USA) national newsletter The Gathered View, who
researched and wrote the first edition of this book in 2001. It is through Ms. Keder’s efforts that the
standards were established for this second edition.
FUNDING — Financial support for this project was provided through unrestricted educational grants from
the RGK Foundation of Austin, Texas; and Eastside High School of Taylors, South Carolina. The grant from
East Side High School comes from a student-sponsored Spirit Week fund-raising project that designated
PWSA-USA as beneficiary.
PHOTOS — We wish to thank the unnamed families who generously shared photographs of their children
and adults, and their experiences with growth hormone treatment.
DEDICATION — This publication is dedicated to the committed people whose efforts have brought us to
this point of knowledge about growth hormone treatment — the research scientists who conducted growth
hormone studies, the children and adults with PWS and their families who willingly participated, and all
who advocated for acceptance of this new treatment to improve the lives of people with Prader-Willi
syndrome.
EDITOR’S NOTE — While the information in this booklet is believed to be accurate at the time of
publication, it is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, which should be obtained from qualified
professionals.
4
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the following individuals, who made significant contributions of their time and expertise,
both in content development and in service as professional reviewers.
Moris Angulo, M.D., Director of Medical Genetics and Assistant Director of Pediatric Endocrinology at
Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY; and a member of the Clinical Advisory Board of PWSA (USA).
Merlin G. Butler, M.D., Ph.D, Professor of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics and a certified
geneticist at Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS; and Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory
Board of PWSA (USA).
Kathryn Clark, RN, CS, MSN, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, at the
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Debra Hanley, of Kingston, NY, parent of a daughter with Prader-Willi syndrome.
Janalee Heinemann, MSW, Director of Research and Medical Affairs of PWSA (USA) and Vice President
of the International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organization (IPWSO).
Jennifer Miller, M.D., M.S., endocrinologist and Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology,
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; and a member of the Clinical Advisory Board of PWSA (USA).
Harold J. P. van Bosse, M.D., surgeon, Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at Shriner’s Hospital
for Children, Philadelphia, PA.
Barbara Y. Whitman, Ph.D, Professor of Pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis,
MO; and a member of both the Scientific Advisory Board and Clinical Advisory Board of PWSA (USA).
5
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
6
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
1. INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY
“Sean was unable to run for more than a few steps without experiencing
pain, shortness of breath or without his little heart beating rapidly, nor
could he hop, skip, jump, kick or climb anything with any agility. …
Most of this has changed rapidly after starting GH. … Sean is now
able to play on a Challenger Little League Baseball team, and he can
run all the bases without a complaint. That is about the best part of all
— Sean can play normally with other children. … The additional
strength helps in areas of self-care as well. … I can’t begin to tell you
how good it feels when your child accomplishes even one small thing
other people take for granted.”
— Mother of a 5-year-old
D
octors, researchers and parents continue to report many dramatic changes and positive outcomes from
the use of human growth hormone (GH) in individuals of all ages with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).
In the 10 years since the initial distribution of the First Edition of this publication in 2001, the use of
GH has become standard care for those with PWS when prescribed by an experienced endocrinologist. In
children, human GH can help with height, weight, body mass, strength and agility, and also may help with
cognitive development. In addition, reports on the use of a low dose of human GH in the adult PWS population have shown positive results in the areas of bone strengthening and the promotion of leaner muscle mass
and greater energy.
Prior to 1990, there were no scientific studies to show the use of human GH to be a good idea for children
born with Prader-Willi syndrome. While some children with PWS did get treatment, others were denied treatment because it could not be proven that they had a growth hormone deficiency. Even if a doctor prescribed
GH, the family’s health insurance plan might refuse to cover the cost because it was considered an “experimental” treatment in children with PWS. For those families the cost of the medication — and the promise of a
better life for their child — was simply out of reach.
Pioneering some of the earliest reported work in this area were Dr. Moris Angulo, of Winthrop University
Hospital in Mineola, New York, who currently serves on the Clinical Advisory Board of PWSA (USA), and Dr.
Phillip Lee of Baylor University in Texas, a past member of the Scientific Advisory Board of PWSA (USA). Dr.
Lee, who reported on the use of GH with a handful of patients in 1987 at a PWS meeting in Houston, is also
credited with organizing the first PWS GH symposium, held at the 1999 PWSA (USA) conference in San
Diego. Dr. Angulo, meanwhile, made a major presentation in Jerusalem, Israel in October 1989 documenting
GH deficiency in five children with PWS.
7
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
Reports of the first “controlled” studies of GH therapy in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome began to
appear in medical journals in the 1990s. At the 1998 national conference of PWSA (USA), Dr. Martin Ritzen
of Sweden reported impressive results from the first major study to compare children with PWS who were
treated with growth hormone therapy with a similar group of children who were not treated. Not only did GH
treatment increase height and growth rate dramatically, it was shown to reduce body fat and to increase muscle
mass and bone size.
As more study results poured in, support mounted for GH treatment to be approved specifically for children
with PWS. Doctors experienced in treating growth disorder in PWS began to agree that Prader-Willi syndrome
causes a true deficiency of growth hormone secretion, probably originating in the hypothalamus portion of the
brain. An international consensus statement signed by 21 endocrinologists worldwide was published in July
2000, stating that “GH testing and treatment should be made available to all children with PWS” and that
“consideration should be given to eliminating the need for … testing before treatment.”
By the time the July 2000 consensus statement was published, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
had already taken action. In June 2000, the FDA approved an application from Pharmacia Corporation (since
acquired by Pfizer), the makers of Genotropin® brand recombinant growth hormone, to market and promote
its product for the treatment of growth failure due to Prader-Willi syndrome. For families in the United States,
this FDA decision removed one of the last barriers to obtaining growth hormone for their children. Because
Prader-Willi syndrome is an approved “indication” for GH medication, children with PWS in this country can
now be considered for GH treatment based solely on their genetic diagnosis and growth pattern, rather than
on the results of GH deficiency testing.
Approximately 10 years later the FDA approved a second growth hormone treatment specifically for children
with growth failure due to Prader-Willi syndrome. This latest product approval — in April 2010 — involves
Omnitrope®, manufactured and distributed by Sandoz, Inc. Please review Appendix C for additional product
information.
There is no longer any doubt that growth hormone treatment can improve the health and quality of life of
children with PWS. The questions that remain are largely individual ones — how early to consider treatment,
when there are good reasons to stop treatment or not to use GH in a particular child, and to what extent GH
treatment will benefit an adult with PWS. PWSA (USA) does not endorse a specific age to begin growth hormone therapy, nor does the national organization recommend particular doses. Decisions regarding GH should
be made by an experienced endocrinologist. Please see Appendix G for the full text of the June 2009 PWSA
(USA) Clinical Advisory Board consensus statement on GH treatment.
Although human GH treatments do not decrease appetite, these therapies — together with early intervention
— have helped to create a whole new generation of children with PWS who are taller, slimmer, more active
and alert, and who are living much longer and healthier lives. This publication is intended to help both families
and care providers understand the issues involved so that they can make decisions in the best interests of the
child or adult with PWS.
“It has done wonders for his self-esteem. Little things, like opening the
car door and buckling his seat belt, are no problems for him now.”
— Parent of a 6-year-old
8
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
2. PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME AND GROWTH
This infant with extremely
low muscle tone at 15
months (far left) shows an
obvious increase in alertness and tone after three
months of GH treatment.
A Different Pattern of Growth
C
hildren with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) grow and develop in ways that are different from other
children. This is because their bodies don’t make enough of certain hormones that are needed for normal growth. While there are individual variations, the following history is common for children with
PWS who do not receive hormone treatment.
In infancy and early childhood — Most children with PWS are born with normal weight and length but are
described as “floppy infants” because of their low muscle tone (hypotonia). Statistics show that 30 percent of
these infants are born with low birth weights. Newborns typically have trouble feeding and gaining weight, and
they often must be fed through a tube for a time in order to survive and grow. They gradually gain strength
and eventually begin to reach their major milestones (sitting up, walking, etc.), although somewhat later than
other children their age. As young children with PWS continue to develop, their body fat seems to grow at a
much greater rate than their muscle and height. Although they are eating well, they continue to be weaker and
less active than other children. The toddler or preschool child with PWS often begins to desire more food than
his or her young body can use, and excess weight can build quickly.
A group of 10 U.S. researchers, six of whom serve on either the Scientific Advisory Board or the Clinical
Advisory Board of PWSA (USA), published five sets of standardized growth curves for infant boys and girls
with PWS in April 2011. These data and growth curves, representing 186 non growth hormone-treated white
infants between 0 and 36 months of age, were published in Pediatrics, the official journal of the American
Academy of Pediatrics, and are reprinted with permission on pages 10-14 of this publication.
Included in the five sets of growth curves, representing 108 boys and 78 girls, are data analyzed for weight,
length, head circumference, weight/length and body mass index (BMI). All information was compared to the
50th percentile national growth data released in 2003 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of
additional interest, the researchers reported that “No significant differences in growth measurement were seen
when comparing the data among infants (boys or girls) with PWS having the 15q11-q13 deletion or other
genetic defects, including maternal disomy 15.”
PWSA (USA) Scientific Advisory Board Chairperson Merlin G. Butler, M.D., Ph.D., of the Kansas University
Medical Center, offers the following context-setting statement in behalf of the group of researchers: “We encourage the use of these growth standards (by the clinician and dietitian) when examining infants with PWS and
evaluating growth for comparison purposes, monitoring for growth patterns, nutritional assessments, and recording responses to growth hormone therapy commonly used in infants and children with PWS.”
9
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
WEIGHT OF INFANTS with PWS
Compared with Normal Weight for Age
kg (lb)
PWS Males
30 (66.1)
28 (61.7)
26 (57.3)
24 (52.9)
22 (48.5)
20 (44.1)
18 (39.7)
16 (35.3)
14 (30.9)
12 (26.5)
10 (22.0)
8 (17.6)
6 (13.2)
4 (8.8)
2 (4.4)
0 (0)
kg (lb)
0
3
6
9
12
15
18
Age, mo
21
24
27
30
33
36
9
12
15
18
Age, mo
21
24
27
30
33
36
PWS Females
30 (66.1)
28 (61.7)
26 (57.3)
24 (52.9)
22 (48.5)
20 (44.1)
18 (39.7)
16 (35.3)
14 (30.9)
12 (26.5)
10 (22.0)
8 (17.6)
6 (13.2)
4 (8.8)
2 (4.4)
0 (0)
0
3
6
Standardized curves for weight of male (upper) and female (lower) infants
with PWS (solid lines) and normative 50th percentile (broken line).
“Growth Standards of Infants with Prader-Willi Syndrome,” by Merlin G. Butler, et al.,
are reproduced with permission from Pediatrics (the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics),
Vol. 127, May 2011, Pages 687-695, Copyright 2011 by the AAP.
10
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
LENGTH OF INFANTS with PWS
Compared with Normal LENGTH for Age
cm (in)
PWS Males
98 (38.6)
94 (37.0)
90 (35.4)
86 (33.9)
82 (32.3)
78 (30.7)
74 (29.1)
70 (27.6)
66 (26.0)
62 (24.4)
58 (22.8)
54 (21.3)
50 (19.7)
46 (18.1)
42 (16.5)
0
cm (in)
3
6
9
12
15
18
Age, mo
21
24
27
30
33
36
9
12
15
18
Age, mo
21
24
27
30
33
36
PWS Females
98 (38.6)
94 (37.0)
90 (35.4)
86 (33.9)
82 (32.3)
78 (30.7)
74 (29.1)
70 (27.6)
66 (26.0)
62 (24.4)
58 (22.8)
54 (21.3)
50 (19.7)
46 (18.1)
42 (16.5)
0
3
6
Standardized curves for length of male (upper) and female (lower) infants
with PWS (solid lines) and normative 50th percentile (broken line).
“Growth Standards of Infants with Prader-Willi Syndrome,” by Merlin G. Butler, et al.,
are reproduced with permission from Pediatrics (the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics),
Vol. 127, May 2011, Pages 687-695, Copyright 2011 by the AAP.
11
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE OF INFANTS with PWS
Compared with Normal HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE for Age
cm (in)
PWS Males
56 (22.0)
54 (21.3)
52 (20.5)
50 (19.7)
48 (18.9)
46 (18.1)
44 (17.3)
42 (16.5)
40 (15.7)
38 (15.0)
36 (14.2)
34 (13.4)
32 (12.6)
30 (11.8)
0
cm (in)
3
6
9
12
15
18
Age, mo
21
24
27
30
33
36
9
12
15
18
Age, mo
21
24
27
30
33
36
PWS Females
56 (22.0)
54 (21.3)
52 (20.5)
50 (19.7)
48 (18.9)
46 (18.1)
44 (17.3)
42 (16.5)
40 (15.7)
38 (15.0)
36 (14.2)
34 (13.4)
32 (12.6)
30 (11.8)
0
3
6
Standardized curves for head circumference of male (upper) and female (lower) infants
with PWS (solid lines) and normative 50th percentile (broken line).
“Growth Standards of Infants with Prader-Willi Syndrome,” by Merlin G. Butler, et al.,
are reproduced with permission from Pediatrics (the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics),
Vol. 127, May 2011, Pages 687-695, Copyright 2011 by the AAP.
12
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
BMI OF INFANTS with PWS
Compared with Normal BMI for Age
PWS Males
kg/m2
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
0
3
6
9
12
15
18
21
Age, mo
24
27
30
33
36
9
12
15
18
21
Age, mo
24
27
30
33
36
PWS Females
kg/m2
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
0
3
6
Standardized curves for BMI of male (upper) and female (lower) infants
with PWS (solid lines) and normative 50th percentile (broken line).
“Growth Standards of Infants with Prader-Willi Syndrome,” by Merlin G. Butler, et al.,
are reproduced with permission from Pediatrics (the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics),
Vol. 127, May 2011, Pages 687-695, Copyright 2011 by the AAP.
13
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
WEIGHT/LENGTH OF INFANTS with PWS
Compared with Normal Weight/LENGTH for Age
PWS Males
kg/m2
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0
3
6
9
12
15
18
Age, mo
21
24
27
30
33
36
9
12
15
18
Age, mo
21
24
27
30
33
36
PWS Females
kg/m2
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0
3
6
Standardized curves for weight/length of male (upper) and female (lower) infants
with PWS (solid line) and normative 50th percentile (broken line).
“Growth Standards of Infants with Prader-Willi Syndrome,” by Merlin G. Butler, et al.,
are reproduced with permission from Pediatrics (the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics),
Vol. 127, May 2011, Pages 687-695, Copyright 2011 by the AAP.
14
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
In later childhood and beyond — Through the school-age years, a common physical profile usually becomes apparent in the child with PWS
who has not received the benefits of human growth hormone therapy.
He or she is likely to have short stature (compared with that of classmates and other family members), small hands and feet, poor muscle
development and excess fat, especially in the middle of the body.
Studies of body composition have found that children and adults with
PWS tend to have more than twice the amount of body fat as others
their age — often measuring around 40 to 50 percent of their total
body weight.
At the usual time of puberty, the differences between children with
PWS and their peers become even more obvious. Without growth
hormone treatment, teens with PWS do not experience the typical
adolescent growth spurt and all the bodily changes that occur with
sexual development. Height measurements taken on a number of children with PWS show that at least half are growing at a rate far below
average as early as age 2 and that most end up below the 5th percentile
after adolescence. This means that adults with PWS are shorter than
nearly all other adults. (See height charts on page 18.)
Note: These are not the only characteristics of Prader-Willi syndrome.
For a more complete overview of PWS, see Appendix A.
What Causes These Growth Problems?
Researchers strongly suspect that the part of the brain called the hypothalamus is the main source of the growth differences in PWS. A tiny
part of the central brain, the hypothalamus connects the body’s two
key systems for survival and maintenance — the nervous system and
the endocrine system. In addition to playing a key role in growth and
sexual development, the hypothalamus regulates appetite, metabolism,
body temperature, mood and other functions that we know are affected in people with PWS. It is likely that one or more of the genes that
are missing (or not functioning) in people with PWS supply essential
instructions to this part of the brain.
This 3-year-old was below
the 5th percentile in
height when she started
GH (above). After two
and a half years of treatment (below), she had
grown about nine inches
and reached the 45th
percentile for her age.
Her skinfold measurements showed a decline in
body fat from the 75th
percentile to the 35th
percentile.
To understand growth and growth hormone treatment in Prader-Willi
syndrome, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of how the hormone — or endocrine — system normally works. The endocrine system is made up of all the glands that produce and release hormones
into the bloodstream. Just below the hypothalamus, and directly
attached to it, is the pituitary gland. Called the “master gland” because
it receives messages from the hypothalamus and relays them to the
other endocrine glands, the pituitary makes and releases many hormones. Among these are growth hormone (GH) and the hormones for
sexual development and reproduction (LH and FSH). If the pituitary
does not make or release enough of these hormones, then the organs
that depend on them cannot do their jobs.
15
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
How Growth Hormone Works
The growth hormone process begins when the hypothalamus sends a chemical messenger called growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) to the pituitary gland. This signals the pituitary to release growth hormone,
which it does in small spurts throughout the day, but especially during the first hours of sleep.
GH travels throughout the bloodstream to target cells with GH receptors that are programmed to respond.
There are GH receptors in many organs in the body, but the most important of these is the liver. Growth hormone does not directly cause most of the growth in bones and body tissue. It signals the liver to make and
release the substances that do — the insulin-like growth factors. The main one of these is a protein called
insulin-like growth factor-I (one), or IGF-I. It is IGF-I that stimulates new cell growth in the cartilage near the
ends of the skeletal bones (called the epiphyses) and in the muscle tissues.
The body’s growth system also has checks and balances. For example, when there is a high level of GH or IGF-I
in the system, the hypothalamus receives the message and produces a different hormone called somatostatin,
which tells the pituitary to stop releasing GH into the bloodstream.
Growth Problems and Treatment
Growth can be adversely affected if there is a problem at any level of the process: in the work of hypothalamus,
the pituitary gland, the liver or the feedback system to the hypothalamus. When the pituitary gland doesn’t
make or release enough growth hormone, or when the growth hormone that is made is not effective in the body,
Hypothalamus
Pituitary Gland
Hormones:
Target organs:
• GH
• TSH
• ACTH
• LH
• FSH
• Prolactin
• Liver, other tissues
• Thyroid gland
• Adrenal glands
• Ovaries & testes
• Mammary glands
Growth hormone (GH) is one of six major hormones produced and stored in the front (anterior)
lobe of the pituitary gland. Pituitary hormones are released into the bloodstream and travel to their
target organs, where they stimulate additional action or hormone release.
16
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
Hypothalamus
growth hormone
releasing hormone
Pituitary
Gland
somatostatin
(inhibiting hormone)
GH and IGF-I levels
give feedback to the
hypothalamus
growth
hormone
Liver
IGF-I
Bones, Muscles, Tissues
signs of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) will begin to appear. These include many of the growth-related
characteristics seen in people with PWS — short stature and slow growth rate, poor muscle development,
increase in central body fat, reduced activity level, etc.
Growth also is affected by other parts of the endocrine system, such as the thyroid and reproductive hormones
(which might also be deficient), as well as by an individual’s diet, sleep, exercise level, etc. The human growth
process and regulation is very complex, and scientists have learned that it is possible to replace or supplement
growth hormone when the body does not produce enough.
Growth hormone treatment is the addition of synthetic growth hormone to the body to make up for what the
pituitary gland fails to produce. GH must be given as an injection, because it is a protein hormone that would
be destroyed by digestion if taken in pill form. Pharmaceutical representatives report that a noninjectable form
of human GH is not likely to become available in the foreseeable future.
17
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
Heights of Individuals with PWS
Compared with Normal Heights for Age
Standardized curves for height of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) male and female
patients (solid line) and healthy individuals (broken line). (M.G. Butler and F.J. Meaney)
Reproduced by permission of Pediatrics, Vol. 88, p. 853-860, copyright 1991.
18
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
GH therapy became widely available in 1985, when the first manufactured form of growth hormone was
approved for sale in the United States. GH has since been proven safe and effective in correcting problems in
growth and body regulation caused by GH deficiency. Giving growth hormone treatment to someone who
needs it is no different than giving insulin to a person with diabetes or thyroid hormone to someone with
thyroid deficiency.
The Need for Growth Hormone Treatment in PWS
For a time, there was considerable debate among researchers about whether children with PWS have a true
growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This was an important question because GH treatment had only been
approved for children with GHD and a few other rare conditions. Testing for GHD has been a controversial
issue in itself, however, because the body’s level of GH is difficult to measure and may show different results on
different tests.
Studies of children with Prader-Willi syndrome confirm that PWS causes a true disorder of GH secretion,
resulting in absolute or functional growth hormone deficiency. However, while the widely accepted tests for
GH can measure deficiency when it is severe, they may miss the cases where it is a functional or evolving deficiency. That is why GH deficiency testing is no longer required for children with PWS.
Clinical trials of GH in children with PWS clearly demonstrate that many of the growth-related problems
outlined at the start of this section can be corrected, at least partially, if GH treatment is started early enough.
It has also been demonstrated that adults with PWS — even those who never had GH treatment as children
— can benefit from GH therapy.
Sections 3, 4 and 5 of this publication will discuss in greater detail the benefits and risks of using GH, as well as
some of the vital information needed before starting GH treatment in the infant, child or adult with PWS. The
Appendix includes additional information and resources regarding Prader-Willi syndrome and growth hormone,
including the text of the 2009 PWSA (USA) Clinical Advisory Board consensus statement on PWS and growth
hormone, announcement of the two FDA approvals of GH treatment products Genotropin® and Omnitrope®
specifically for PWS, summaries of GH clinical trials in children and adults with PWS, and a glossary of terms.
“The most important benefit is self-esteem. She is very aware
that she is bigger now and growing. It has been a positive social
factor in her grade one integration and special-needs class.”
— Parent of a 6-year-old
“Growth hormone makes a huge difference in Ian’s quality of life.
… He continues to grow and improve his strength, alertness,
level of activity and endurance.”
— Parent of a 4-year-old
19
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
3. E
FFECTS OF GROWTH HORMONE TREATMENT
IN CHILDREN WITH PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME
R
eports from a number of research groups around the world have
confirmed what was suspected in the late 1980s: growth hormone
treatment (GHT) offers many benefits to children and adults with
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Studies on GHT use in infants and adults have
been positive, but answers are still evolving. How young do you start GHT? Is
there an age when you stop GHT? These are just two of the questions with no
clear answers to date, but you are invited to contact PWSA (USA) for updates.
Information in this section addresses the benefits and potential side effects of
GHT. Results of some of the major studies are outlined in greater detail in
Appendix E.
Benefits of GH Treatment
Measured Improvements
The following physical changes have been documented in various research studies, and the most dramatic
results are reported in the first year of GH treatment. Studies in the United States and other countries followed
children beyond one year of treatment and reported some additional improvements.
 Increased height and growth rate — Treated children grow in height at double or more the rates
before treatment. For example, some study participants grew five or more inches during the first year
of treatment, compared with two inches a year or less prior to GH treatment. A child treated with GH
measures higher on the normal growth curves than before treatment and continues to grow along that
higher curve as long as GH therapy is continued. Depending on the starting age of treatment, a child’s
final height can be closer to that of others in the family.
 Increase of hand and foot sizes to normal proportions — GH treatment enables hand and foot
sizes to catch up with height growth in just one year. Without GH treatment, people with PWS typically have small hands and feet for their body size, which can affect motor skills.
 Little change in body fat — Excess fat is characteristic of PWS, but data from a recent study shows
that there was no real difference in the fat levels of children with PWS who had received growth hormone treatment for a period of six years. This was especially true for children whose parents were
unable to provide proper structure. According to Barbara Y. Whitman, Ph.D., professor of pediatrics
at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, “It was disappointing that there wasn’t that much difference in accumulation or percentage of fat, but there was significantly improved muscle mass and
better bone density and height.”
 Decrease in body mass index (BMI) — BMI, which is a measurement of obesity based on weight
and height, declines with GH treatment and increases when treatment is stopped.
 Increase in muscle development — Improvements have been shown in measured size of muscles and
in muscle as a percent of body weight. Muscle growth does not quite reach normal levels, although it
is significantly improved. Young, underweight children in one study gained weight because of the
increased muscle.
20
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
 Improved respiratory function — GH-treated children can breathe better, due to stronger respiratory muscles and improved response to build-up of carbon dioxide (CO2).
 Improved physical performance — Studies document improvements in physical performance with
GH treatment due to increased muscle strength and respiratory function. Children are able to run
faster, jump farther, lift more weight and do more sit-ups than those who were not treated with GH.
 Increase in resting energy expenditure (REE) — At least one study records an improvement in REE
after two years of treatment. REE is the level of calories a body burns while at rest, which is most of
the day’s calorie usage, or the individual’s basic rate of metabolism. REE is raised by adding muscle and
increasing physical activity.
 Improvement in cholesterol levels — Studies show that total cholesterol decreases in treated children,
while their HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or so-called “good cholesterol”) levels rise.
 Increase in bone mineral density (BMD) — Researchers have found that BMD increased at a faster
rate in children who were treated with GH for one year than in those who were not treated. Continued
increases after two years of treatment suggest that GH therapy may help to avoid osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), which is a concern for adults with PWS.
 Improved head circumference — One study of children with PWS who received growth hormone
treatments from infancy for a period of six years shows a much more normal head circumference. This
result may serve as an index for better brain growth.
This young man clearly illustrates the consequences of the growth disorder in Prader-Willi
syndrome (two photos on left) and the correction that is possible with GH treatment
(two photos on right). As shown on his growth chart on page 23, this boy was able to achieve the
50th percentile for both height and weight after just two years of GH therapy.
Photos reprinted by permission of The Endocrinologist, Vol. 10, No. 4, Suppl. 1, p. 48S.
21
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
Parent Observations
Parent reports collected during several of the studies suggest that GH treatment may bring a number of real-life
benefits for children with PWS and their families:
 Improvement in alertness and activity level
Treated children seem to have more energy and stamina for daily activities.
 Improvement in motor skills and athletics
Parents seemed most impressed by their children’s new muscle strength and abilities. Some reported
that their children were able to try new sports or other physical activities; others reported better
strength and independence in everyday tasks, such as climbing bus steps and carrying groceries.
 Subtle behavior improvements
A behavior survey conducted periodically as part of the U.S. growth hormone study suggests that GH
treatment may have positive effects on depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and skin-picking in
children with PWS.
 Improved size and appearance
It is obvious from the photos throughout this publication that children treated with GH begin to look
more like other children their age. In addition to fostering better self-esteem, parents note practical
benefits, such as being able to buy clothing off the rack to fit their children.
Areas of No Change
None of the studies on GH treatment in children with PWS has documented either an improvement or a
worsening in any of the following:
 I.Q. (intelligence quotient)
Although some parents say their children seem more focused or alert with GH treatment, none of the
studies measured changes in I.Q. or suggested that GH treatment might affect I.Q.
 Behavioral problems such as temper outbursts
Because behavior is such a concern in PWS, the U.S. research study on GH specifically surveyed parents on behavior before and throughout the GH treatment period. Neither this nor any other study
found an increase in problem behaviors because of GH treatment, but one report noted that behavior
seemed to become worse when treatment was stopped. Families of physically aggressive children may
have cause for concern about their child gaining size and strength with GH treatment. These families
are advised to seek help from a behavior specialist, whether or not their child begins GH treatment.
 Appetite and food-seeking behaviors
Although some parents have reported that their child’s appetite either increased or decreased while on
GH treatment, none of the studies of children with PWS documented a change in appetite and foodseeking behaviors. Even for the children on GH who could eat extra calories, diet restrictions remained
necessary.
 Bone age
GH treatment does not appear to speed up bone age advancement. (If bone age advances too quickly,
the period of growth potential becomes shorter.) Many children with PWS have delayed bone age,
which is associated with growth hormone deficiency.
22
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
Growth chart of a boy with pws
who began gh treatment at age 10
(Courtesy of Dr. Aaron Carrel, University of Wisconsin–Madison)
Note: Points show the height (stature) and weight of the boy pictured on page 21 at various ages.
Shaded areas represent the ranges of height and weight for normal, healthy children. Lines on each
growth curve represent the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th (bold line), 75th, 90th and 95th percentiles.
23
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
Side Effects
Editor’s Note: Please review Appendix G — PWSA (USA) 2009 Consensus Statement —
and Appendix I — PWSA (USA) Precautions Statement — for additional comprehensive information on
possible side effects and standard warnings about growth hormone treatments.
As with any medication, GH therapy may cause undesirable side effects in some cases. The risks and benefits
of GH treatment, therefore, should be thoroughly discussed with the child’s or adult’s physicians prior to making a decision to proceed. The most common side effects are minor, such as changes in the skin at the injection
site, e.g., occasional bruising, slight bleeding, tiny bumps on the skin, or an indentation at the injection site
(from overuse of that site or a particular injection method). Some of these effects can be avoided or corrected
with a change in injection procedures or devices.
Although the studies of children with PWS found no widespread side effects of GH treatment, they noted some
individual experiences that required attention. These reactions to GH treatment are rare, but they do sometimes occur:
 Headaches
Some children get headaches during GH treatment, probably due to the pressure of extra fluid in the
body. This symptom usually occurs within the first eight weeks of the initiation of GH treatment. The
headaches sometimes have stopped on their own, but in some cases it was necessary to lower the child’s
dosage and raise it more gradually. Rarely, headaches can be severe and may be accompanied by vomiting and vision disturbances due to fluid pressure in the brain. This condition may be called intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri. Although the symptoms seem very serious, they go away
when GH treatment is stopped. The child often is able to restart GH at a lower dose and work up
gradually to the higher dose without this problem recurring.
 Swelling in the feet and legs (edema)
Edema, due to fluid build-up, has been reported in a few cases during the beginning of treatment. This
is more common in the adult population with PWS. This problem can go away on its own, or the GH
dose may need to be decreased in order to resolve it.
 Increased levels of insulin
Low levels of insulin are found in children with PWS before GH treatment, and those levels can rise
significantly during treatment. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is needed to use and
store carbohydrates and reduce glucose levels in the blood. Although the increased insulin usually stays
within normal levels, cases have been reported in which a GH-treated child became resistant to insulin
and developed Type 2 diabetes. In each case, this occurred after significant weight gain (obesity interferes
with the body’s insulin receptors), and the diabetes disappeared when GH treatment was stopped and
insulin levels decreased. Children with PWS and GH deficiency should be monitored carefully for signs
and symptoms of glucose intolerance during GH treatment, particularly if they are massively obese or
have a family history of diabetes mellitus. If diabetes mellitus occurs while on GH therapy, the GH
treatment should be stopped. If restarted, the GH dose should be substantially reduced.
 Decreased levels of thyroid hormone (thyroxine)
Some children with PWS developed thyroid deficiency after they started GH treatment and required
oral thyroid hormone replacement.
 Respiratory dysfunction
A careful history and assessment of respiratory abnormalities should be evaluated prior to and during
GH therapies. Individuals with sleep apnea should be evaluated by a pulmonologist, otolaryngologist
24
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
and gastroenterologist before and shortly after beginning GH treatments. (Please See Appendix J —
Recommendations for Evaluation of Breathing Abnormalities Associated with Sleep in PWS.)
 Progression of scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine)
Children with PWS have an increased risk for spinal curvature abnormalities, including scoliosis and
kyphosis, believed to be caused by weak muscles and loose joints. Although rapid growth can cause a
scoliosis curve to worsen, PWS studies found no significant difference in curve progression between
the children with scoliosis who were treated with GH and those not receiving GH treatment. Several
children in the studies, however, did require treatment of their scoliosis — either a back brace or surgery, depending on their degree of curve. Detection and monitoring of scoliosis are important for all
children with PWS, whether or not they are receiving growth hormone treatments. Decisions to initiate or continue GH treatments in a child with spinal curvature abnormalities should be made in
consultation with an endocrinologist and an orthopedic surgeon experienced in PWS.
 Elongation of lower face
Also described as a “high mid-face,” this subtle change in proportion of the face after GH treatment
has been noted by several PWS researchers. The lower jaw tends to be more responsive to GH treatment than the upper jaw, which may account for these facial changes. There is no appearance of
deformity from this change in the jaw, but it may affect teeth alignment and plans for orthodontic
treatment (braces).
 Acromegaly
This is the term for extreme overgrowth caused by too much growth hormone in the body, a rare
condition usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland. This condition causes distorted growth of
the brow, jaw and other body parts, as well as damage to internal organs and processes. Acromegaly is
a risk for anyone who receives an excessively high dose of GH over a period of time. It is particularly
important to avoid giving dosages meant for a growing child to a teen or adult whose growth plates
have closed. Periodic bone age x-rays are usually done to guard against this possibility.
Standard Warnings
The patient literature about growth hormone discusses several other possible side effects of GH treatment.
None of the following occurred in any of the PWS research studies, and the most serious of these are considered
to be extremely rare.
Arthralgia, myalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome — Various types of joint and muscle pain have been reported
with GH use, more commonly in adults with GH deficiency who experience them at the beginning of treatment. Usually such pain disappears within a few months.
Tumor/cancer spread — When growth is stimulated, abnormal and malignant growths may also respond. If a
child has an active tumor or cancer, growth hormone therapy is not advisable. A child who once had cancer but
has been in remission for a period of time might still be considered for treatment. The risks and benefits need
to be thoroughly discussed with the child’s physicians. There is no evidence that GH causes cancer.
Slipped-capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) — This term describes a condition almost like a break in the top
of the thigh bone (femur). The cartilage in the area of bone growth (called the epiphyseal plate or growth plate)
slips from the top of the femur for reasons not well understood. This injury has occurred very rarely with GH
treatment, and obesity seems to put an individual at greater risk. Symptoms of the problem include hip pain
and stiffness, knee pain and limping. Since this injury requires surgical correction, an orthopedic surgeon
should be consulted if these complaints arise.
25
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
4. W
HAT IS INVOLVED IN
GROWTH HORMONE TREATMENT?
T
his section provides a question-and-answer look at some of the key aspects of GH treatment beginning
in childhood. Additional information on growth hormone and treatment considerations is available
from a number of sources listed in Appendix C.
Who determines the need for GH treatment?
To decide whether a child or adult needs to be treated with growth hormone, a family normally sees a specialist
called an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in the body’s hormones, including growth
hormone, sex hormones, insulin, thyroid, etc. There are pediatric endocrinologists, who specialize in treating
children, and adult endocrinologists, who treat adults and possibly adolescents. Since there are a number of
medical issues in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) that involve the hormone system, an endocrinologist who is
familiar with PWS and who can work with the child or adult on all of these issues would be the best choice.
If a family has health insurance benefits through an HMO (health maintenance organization) or other type of
managed care plan, a referral from the pediatrician or regular doctor usually is needed in order to see an endocrinologist.
How is the need for growth hormone evaluated?
The endocrinologist will likely review the medical history and growth of the child
(often before age 2), ask about the child’s diet, take information about other family members’ heights and growth patterns, and examine the child. The child’s
growth may need to be monitored for a period of time before the endocrinologist
can determine whether there is “growth failure due to Prader-Willi syndrome.”(In
June 2000, the FDA approved use of GH treatment for this condition.)
Endocrinologists take careful measurements of a child’s height using a wallmounted ruler or a special measuring board for children under 2- to 3 years old.
Typically the child is measured several times at the same visit to ensure accuracy.
Results are recorded on standard growth charts to determine how the child’s
height compares with others of the same age. Many children with PWS start out
growing along the normal curve but then, at around age 2, begin growing more
slowly and drop lower and lower on the standard growth charts. Children with
growth failure usually are significantly shorter than their peers or shorter than
would be expected for their family. (Note: Standard growth charts for various ages
are available on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s Web site: www.cdc.gov/
growthcharts/.)
Other tests that might be done as part of a GH evaluation include a blood test to
check the level of thyroid hormone (low thyroid levels can affect growth and GH
treatment), a hand x-ray to determine bone age, a physical exam for scoliosis
(curvature of the spine), and a sleep study to check for obstructive sleep apnea
(often corrected by removing the tonsils and adenoids) and central sleep apnea,
26
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
or hypoventilation. The hand x-ray is compared with a set of standard
x-rays for different ages and can tell the doctor how much bone growth
potential the child has left. (Children with growth hormone deficiency
typically have a bone age that is younger than their actual age.) If scoliosis is suspected, a back x-ray should be taken and examined by an
orthopedic specialist to determine the exact degree of curve and the
need for monitoring or treatment.
If a child with PWS is found to have growth failure, and there are no
conditions that would create serious risks (such as cancer), he or she
would be eligible for treatment with growth hormone without further
testing. Children with Prader-Willi syndrome no longer need blood
tests to prove they have growth hormone deficiency before they can be
treated with GH.
In 1996, the FDA approved the use of GH replacement therapy in
adults, but unlike the 2000 FDA authorization affecting children with
PWS, adults are required to undergo diagnostic blood studies to formally establish growth hormone deficiency. Although linear bone
growth would no longer be a concern, reports on the use of a low dose
of GH in the adult PWS population have shown positive results in the
areas of bone strengthening and in the promotion of leaner muscle
mass and greater energy.
At what age are children assessed for GH treatment?
A child with PWS can be assessed for GH treatment at any age.
Clinical experience suggests that GH treatment can be beneficial for
an individual with PWS as early as 2- to 3 months of age (McCandless,
et al., 2011). Treatment intended to increase height needs to begin
before the normal age of puberty, and earlier treatment (often prior to
age 2) seems to offer the best opportunity for improvements in body
composition and acquisition of motor milestones.
A 5-year-old with PWS (at left
in both photos) is much shorter than her 3-year-old sister
(top photo), but is beginning
to close the gap after one and
a half years of GH treatment
(bottom photo).
Short stature may not be apparent in the earliest years of life because
infants with PWS often are born with normal length; however, there
may be other signs of growth failure or GH deficiency that call for very
early treatment. GH treatment has been safely used in infants with
growth hormone deficiency for many years. Studies confirm that GH
treatment can improve muscle and motor development in infants with
PWS.
Growth failure does not always mean that a child must drop below
normal range for height or length but, rather, that his or her own pattern of growth fails to keep pace with normal growth speeds. Thus, a
shorter child might grow at a normal speed and be considered to have
normal growth, and a taller child with poor growth would be of
greater concern.
27
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
Are there any children who should not be treated with GH for medical reasons?
Because GH treatment stimulates growth throughout the body, children with diagnosed active cancer or
tumors that could worsen are not good candidates for GH therapy.
Children with diabetes or glucose intolerance need to be closely monitored if they are treated with GH, since
GH therapy is known to increase insulin resistance.
The Clinical Advisory Board of PWSA (USA), in its June 2009 consensus statement (see Appendix G), cautions that children with PWS have “an increased prevalence of respiratory dysfunction.” A sleep study is recommended before the start of GH treatment in all infants, children and adults with PWS, with a follow-up study
six to eight weeks later. If sleep apnea worsens, it is recommended that it be managed by the appropriate standards of care (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2002), including seeing an otolaryngologist to evaluate the
airway and making efforts to lose weight if the child is obese. It is up to the discretion of the treating endocrinologist to determine if GH treatment should be temporarily discontinued until the sleep study improves.
How is GH administered?
One of the challenges of growth hormone treatment is that the patient’s family or caregivers must learn to give
injections at home. Like insulin, GH is a protein (not a steroid) hormone that must be injected through the
skin in order to reach the bloodstream and be effective in the body. Also, like insulin shots, the GH injections
are usually given just under the skin (subcutaneously) rather than in the muscle. The shots are given with a very
fine needle and typically are not painful. They can be given in a number of different areas of the body — the
abdomen, the top and sides of the thigh, the buttocks, and in larger children the back of the upper arm. The
injection should be given in a different spot each night to prevent skin problems.
The reason for rotating injection sites is that repeated injections at the same site may cause atrophy (loss of fat/
muscle). Atrophy can lead to depressions (a cosmetic issue) and scarring, which can inhibit the absorption of
medication and a diminished therapeutic response. It is adequate to rotate back and forth between two sites,
such as the thighs, buttocks, and right and left abdomen. Even within a 2-inch by 2-inch single site, one can
make an imaginary grid of quarter-inch squares to move across.
Growth hormone shots usually are given nightly or six times a week by the parent, caregiver or the child him
or herself. Nighttime is recommended because the largest natural spurt of growth hormone release occurs in
the first few hours of sleep, so it is closest to the body’s natural cycle. Over the years, experience has shown that
daily shots gave more effective results than injections only three or four times a week. Families also generally
find it easier to make the injection part of the regular bedtime routine rather than to alternate injection days.
How do families learn to give the injections?
Family members and caregivers who will be giving the GH injections must be trained in how to mix the
medication (if necessary), how to prepare and give the injection, and how to properly handle and store the GH
product and injection equipment. A number of different pen-type syringes are available that make injections
simpler for the parent or caregiver and less worrisome for the child who dislikes needles (see Appendix C).
When families start their children on growth hormone treatment, they are normally provided with personal
training, printed information and telephone numbers to call in case they have questions or need help. They
usually have an opportunity to practice using the syringe or injection pen and to give their child the first injection under the supervision of a nurse. The growth hormone supplier also might provide an instructional video
28
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
for review at home. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions, since each type of injection method
requires somewhat different procedures.
Although the thought of giving a child an injection may sound frightening, children and their parents usually
learn and adjust to the routine quickly. Getting through the first injection at home is often the hardest part. It
helps to remember that most GH shots are virtually painless. Also, since many children with PWS have a high
pain tolerance, they are less likely than others to feel the injection.
Information from the Human Growth Foundation and the MAGIC Foundation can help families understand
GH treatment better and prepare themselves and their child to get started on a positive note (See Appendix C).
Both of these organizations have e-mail discussion lists for parents who want to ask questions or share information and support concerning GH treatment.
Are there different kinds of GH?
Although growth hormone medication is sold by a number of companies in the United States under different
product names, the basic protein ingredient is the same in nearly all GH products for injection. Because it is
based on the human gene for growth hormone, manufactured GH is identical in structure and chemistry to
the growth hormone produced in the body. The generic name for the major GH products now in use is somatropin, rDNA origin, for injection. The “rDNA” (recombinant DNA) means that it is produced by combining
DNA material from different sources through genetic engineering.
While the GH protein molecule itself is the same from product to product, there is an increasing variety of
medication forms and injection methods available. In its basic, manufactured form, GH is a freeze-dried white
powder that must be mixed with liquid, called a diluent. Some manufacturers now have pre-mixed forms of
GH and/or pens that simplify the mixing process. As with other types of medicines, GH products may contain
inactive ingredients as preservatives. These additives vary among the different products, and some might cause
minor reactions in some people. Most GH products require refrigeration before mixing and use, but a few can
be left at room temperature until the powder is reconstituted.
FDA approval of two GH products for Prader-Willi syndrome (Genotropin® and Omnitrope®) has opened
the door for doctors to prescribe all equivalent products for that use as well. Doctors might recommend a particular medication based on any of the following: the doctor’s familiarity or experience with different GH
products or delivery systems, requirements or preferences of the patient’s insurance company or managed care
organization, cost differences, ability of the family to learn and use a particular medication mixing and injection
method, or the child’s history or sensitivities. Families should discuss their concerns and needs with the doctor
to ensure that the best treatment is chosen for their child’s situation. (See Appendix C for information on the
various GH manufacturers and their products.)
How is a child’s dose of GH determined?
There are some commonly accepted dosage ranges for GH treatment in infants, children and adults, but endocrinologists may vary in choosing a starting dose. In the United States, individual dosages of GH are expressed
in milligrams (mg) of the protein powder form of GH to be given, either per injection or per week.
For infants with Prader-Willi syndrome, the dosing is based on body surface area. The typical starting dose is
1 mg/m2 per day. In older children, beginning doses are typically calculated based on weight alone, or ideal
body weight if the child is significantly overweight. Most endocrinologists adjust doses in older children after
monitoring growth velocity, weight and IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) level. The largest dosage is given
29
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
at the time of puberty, when children normally have their last big
growth spurt. For adults, there are standardized dosing regimens for
beginning GH treatments. The adult dosage then is subsequently
titrated based on IGF-1 levels. (See Appendix G for additional information on GH dosing.)
What about follow-up after treatment begins?
At the time of diagnosis, this
1-year-old girl with PraderWilli syndrome showed classic
low muscle tone and excess
body fat. After nearly three
years of growth hormone
treatment, starting at age 9,
this girl’s height and weight
are closer to normal and her
moderate scoliosis has been
improved with brace-wearing
and growth.
Once growth hormone treatment has begun, regular follow-up exams
must be scheduled to evaluate results, check for side effects and adjust
the child’s dosage when needed. Endocrinologists typically check
patients a minimum of every four to six months when they are on GH
treatment. At each checkup, the child will be carefully measured for
growth and generally examined. Periodically, the follow-up visits may
also involve tests for:
 thyroid levels (blood test);
 insulin or glucose levels (blood test);
 IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels (blood test);
 bone age (x-ray);
 scoliosis (physical exam or x-ray);
 secondary sexual characteristics (physical exam); and
 sleep apnea (sleep study).
It is important for families to follow through with these scheduled
follow-up visits and to contact the doctor between visits if there are
any problems with the treatment. GH treatment and follow-up is a
team effort, and the child’s or adult’s family is a key part of the team.
It is the family that must carry out the day-to-day treatment and be
alert for any changes in the child that may need medical attention.
In addition to the family and the endocrinologist, other professionals
may need to be involved as the child responds to GH treatment. Since
calorie needs may change with increased growth, a consultation with a
dietitian should be considered to ensure that the child is receiving
proper nutrition. Any specialists that the child normally sees on a
regular basis (e.g., eye doctor, dentist, orthopedist, physical therapist,
etc.) should be made aware that the child is starting growth hormone
treatment. Knowing that there will be a period of rapid growth may
affect how often those professionals will need to monitor or treat the
child in their area of specialty.
How does scoliosis affect GH treatment?
Orthopedic specialists recommend that children be monitored for
scoliosis as soon as then begin sitting. Children with diagnosed scoliosis can be treated with GH if an orthopedic surgeon is involved to
monitor the child’s curve frequently, and to treat any significant curve
progression that requires bracing or surgery. Frequent back x-rays (as
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A Reference for Families and Care Providers
often as every 4 to 6 months) may be necessary. Back curves measuring between 20 and 40 degrees are often
successfully treated with a brace, but curves that advance to more than 40 degrees in a growing child generally
require major surgery to stabilize the spine. Unfortunately, doctors are unable to predict which mild curves will
progress with growth.
Treatment with GH also can have positive effects on the spine—strengthening back muscles and increasing
bone density — which may improve the child’s outlook for scoliosis treatment. The endocrinologist and orthopedic specialist should coordinate care and keep each other informed of changes in the child’s condition or
treatment.
While scoliosis is a major concern, the prevalence of scoliosis has been found to be the same in individuals with
PWS regardless of GH treatment. Therefore, scoliosis should no longer be considered a contraindication for
GH treatment.
When does GH treatment end?
Treatment at childhood dosage levels of GH stops when the growth plates near the ends of the bones have
closed. This means that the cartilage where growth occurs has all solidified into bone, and there is no more
growth potential. In the past, children always ended their GH treatment at that point. However, research has
shown that growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can cause problems beyond the growing years — poor body
composition, reduced energy and physical performance, osteoporosis (thinning bones), and disorders of sleep
and mood.
Studies of adults with GHD have found that a low dose of GH can help these problems, leading the FDA in
1996 to approve use of GH for adults with growth hormone deficiency. Adults with PWS may need to have
Changes in body composition are obvious in
this 3-year-old girl with
Prader-Willi syndrome,
photographed before
(left) and three months
after starting growth
hormone treatment.
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
documented growth hormone deficiency in order to be treated with growth hormone. (The FDA approval for
GH use in Prader-Willi syndrome only covers children.) Children who have been on growth hormone treatment through their final years of growth typically stop GH injections for a period of three to six months, then
take a GH stimulation test to determine if they have growth hormone deficiency, as defined for adults. GH
stimulation tests check the level of GH in the blood before and after the person is given a substance known to
cause release of growth hormone (e.g., insulin, arginine, clonidine or glucagon). GH treatment in adults is
provided at a much lower dosage level than in children. As with children, GH dosing for adults needs to be
individualized, with close monitoring by specialists for unwanted side effects.
What are the cost and insurance issues?
Growth hormone is a very expensive medication, often costing $50,000–$60,000 a year at the highest dosage
levels. Most families could not even consider GH treatment without excellent insurance coverage or other
outside funding. If a family’s insurance policy has an annual or a lifetime cap on benefits, the cost of one child’s
GH treatment over a long period of time could leave insufficient plan benefits for another family member who
may need expensive care.
It is important for families to read carefully their insurance policies and any “riders” that amend the policies to
find out what prescription drug benefits are provided, what is required to obtain them for GH treatment, and
what limits have been set on either prescription drug benefits or total benefits payable. Because of rising prescription drug costs, insurance companies and managed care plans often try to limit their coverage in a number
of ways. For example, a plan might specifically exclude or require special authorizations for expensive medications such as GH. Some provide coverage of “injectable” drugs under a different section of the plan that
requires higher co-payment by the family. Others might set annual limits on how much they will pay for drugs,
or they might require a higher co-payment from the family after a certain level is reached.
“Seems to be displaying more ‘mature’ behavior.
More accepting of chores. … Almost no more nail biting or picking at skin around fingernails.”
— Parent of a 9-year-old
“Food is a lot more manageable. If we have a highcalorie [meal] she doesn’t immediately gain 2 lbs.
If she gains weight, she can lose it.”
— Parent of a 4-year-old
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A Reference for Families and Care Providers
If a family’s plan appears to cover GH treatment, but the initial insurance claim is rejected, an appeal can be
filed for reconsideration of the claim. Every health plan has a process for submitting appeals and grievances,
and each growth hormone company has a program to assist its patients with obtaining insurance coverage, if
needed. It is important to keep detailed notes of phone calls and copies of any documents related to an appeal
or complaint.
If the family’s current plan does not provide adequate benefits to cover GH treatment, other insurance options
need to be explored. Finding an insurance policy that covers GH treatment can be difficult and may affect
parents’ employment options, since most insurance plans are provided through employers. (Information on
Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Programs, which provide health insurance for families with
lower incomes, is available on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services Web site: www.cms.gov.)
Realizing that health insurance coverage is a major issue that may prevent a child from getting needed treatment, growth hormone manufacturers may supply the medication at no cost or at reduced cost for a period of
time to eligible patients who are working to obtain insurance coverage or other funding. (See Appendix C for
the patient assistance programs of the various GH manufacturing companies.)
“Sarah’s muscle strength and ability to run,
jump, catch, etc., have improved dramatically since
starting growth hormone treatment.”
— Parent of a 6-year-old
“After only two months she sleeps less and is more
active. … Started standing on her own and trying
to take steps, seems more brave.”
— Parent of a 20-month-old
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
5. QUESTIONS, WISDOM AND SURVEY DATA
FROM OUR FAMILIES
How can I find an endocrinologist to assess my child?
Ask your child’s pediatrician or internist for suggestions. If you have a chapter of
the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association in your state or region, ask members of
that group for suggestions also. Call several doctors and ask about having your
child with PWS assessed for GH treatment. Ask how much experience they’ve had
working with children with PWS. If you are unable to find a doctor with lots of
experience in PWS, call PWSA (USA) at 1-800-926-4797 for information to
share with your endocrinologist.
Can an insurance company require that my child be tested
for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) before they will
cover GH treatment?
Health insurance plans are allowed to set their own requirements for coverage, but usually they will follow the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approvals. It should not be necessary for a child with PWS to be
tested for growth hormone deficiency since the FDA’s decision regarding Prader-Willi syndrome, effective June
20, 2000. The FDA approved Pharmacia Corporation’s (now Pfizer) application to market and promote their
existing GH product, Genotropin®, for “long-term treatment of pediatric patients who have growth failure due
to Prader-Willi syndrome.” In April 2010, the FDA approved a second growth hormone treatment specifically
for children with growth failure due to PWS. This latest product approval involves Omnitrope®, manufactured
by Sandoz, Inc. In creating these specific “indications” for children with PWS, the FDA recognized that GHD
testing is not a reliable determinant of whether a child with PWS needs GH treatment. Those with PWS only
need to show signs of growth failure and have a genetic diagnosis of PWS to qualify for GH treatment under
these special Orphan Drug Act approvals. A letter from your doctor to the insurance company might help. For
more information, see PWSA’s announcement of the FDA ruling, reprinted in Appendix F.
What happens if my child stops GH treatment?
People who stop taking growth hormone will not lose their height gains, but they will gradually lose the other
physical benefits that GH produces, i.e., muscle development, fat reduction, increased energy level, etc., and
will most likely gain weight. If your child is benefiting from GH therapy but needs to stop because of a side
effect, it may be possible for him or her to continue treatment at a lower dosage level, or to stop treatments and
then restart them after the problems are understood and addressed. Even a low dose can improve body composition. There is generally no problem with stopping and restarting GH treatment, but risks and benefits of
treatment should be discussed with your child’s doctor.
My child says the GH shots hurt. What can I do?
Although most children become accustomed to the injections, some children are more sensitive or find that
certain injections hurt. Work with your endocrinologist’s office to analyze what is causing the problem. There
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A Reference for Families and Care Providers
are many things that could cause discomfort, including the size
of the needle, the type of injection device being used, the preservative in the medication, the temperature of the medication,
the area of the body used for the shot, and the procedure used
in giving the shot and removing the needle. If you cannot find
a way to reduce the discomfort by changing one or more of
these things, you can try rubbing a frozen spoon on the injection site prior to giving the dose. This will provide a quick
numbing effect. You can also talk to your doctor about trying a
cream to numb the skin prior to giving the shot.
Many children interpret fear as pain. A very small reward given
after each shot, such as a sticker, can help to make the routine
more positive. Too much anticipation, or randomness in a routine, can build up worry about an injection. Resisting, crying or stalling are all normal coping behaviors and
can even become part of the “routine” for some children. Some families find that giving the injection after the
child is asleep decreases stress for everyone. This is a difficult choice to make, and you may want to talk with
your health care provider if this seems like your best option. Finally, if the time after the injection seems to be
normal, do not worry too much if the child does not like receiving shots. This may be nothing more than
normal child behavior.
Are there natural GH supplements that my child could
take instead of getting shots?
There are no oral forms of growth hormone and, although many nonprescription
supplements and pills are being promoted today as growth enhancers or GH
releasers, they are not effective for the needs of children with PWS. Since these
supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, there is no
way of knowing their actual content, effects or safety.
Some GH manufacturers are trying to develop alternative ways to deliver GH to
the body, and we may eventually see forms of synthetic growth hormone that can
be taken orally or through the nostrils. If these products do come to market, they
will be prescription drugs regulated by the FDA.
“I feel growth hormone has helped Kristine progress
a great deal. … She moves around better than before,
is talking more, communicates a great deal more.”
— Parent of a 2-year-old
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
PARENT WISDOM
Getting Started
Parents often are the best sources of solutions and answers to the little questions that arise when starting GH
treatment. For example, parents from several e-mail discussion lists offered the following bits of wisdom:
 “At first, my wife and I did the shots together. This way we made sure we were doing everything correctly. The first few times you have to read and re-read the instructions to make sure you do everything
correctly. Expect to be nervous the first few times. I promise you, it gets easier.”
 “Put the baby on the floor, not the bed. The bed is too soft and it’s too easy for him to move around.
Have one parent hold his arms and legs to keep him from moving. The shot doesn’t seem to bother
him, but kids are active!”
 “Mikey was only 21 months old when he started on GH. We just told him he was going to get a shot
every night. My hubby holds Mikey down while I give the shot. We have the injector pen with the
needle cover, so I never actually see the needle go in. That helps me a lot! Mikey is very used to the
shot now. After we finish the counting and we pull the needle out, he says, ‘All done!’”
Travel Tips
Since most GH products must be refrigerated, traveling with a child on GH treatment can pose some interesting
problems. A travel bag usually comes with the first GH prescription from the supplier. It can hold a small ice
pack, the GH medication and some injection supplies. After a certain amount of time, however, the medication
needs refrigeration or a fresh ice pack, so planning ahead is critical. Ask the GH supplier about specific temperature requirements for your product. Following are some parent tips for traveling with supplies of GH:
 “Most hotels can get you a refrigerator for your room. This is especially helpful for longer hotel stays.
Otherwise use four zip-lock bags, and put the pen in an ice chest or the ice bucket. Don’t count on
one zip-lock bag keeping the pen dry in an ice chest. They leak.”
 “Most places will have a refrigerator somewhere. Carry some extra reusable ice packs, and ask the hotel
desk or restaurant to freeze them for you. Put them in a labeled bag. When your GH travel bag needs
a fresh ice pack, stop at the desk or restaurant and ask them to switch packs for you. When they know
it’s for a child’s medication they’re usually accommodating.”
 “Keep an empty water or soda bottle with a screw cap to store the used needles or syringes until you
can dispose of them safely.”
 “Don’t ever use baggage check for medicines when traveling by plane!”
“Her behavior has definitely changed — some good, some
bad — but it is a more normal behavior.”
— Parent of a 6-year-old
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A Reference for Families and Care Providers
SURVEY DATA
Beginning in October 2004, PWSA (USA) has been collecting data from the parents and/or guardians of
children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) who have been receiving growth hormone treatments. The online survey is available on the PWSA (USA) website; the quick link is www.pwsausa.org/population found
under “Support: Registration of People with Prader-Willi Syndrome”.
The detailed chart of collected data, below, reflects information from 643 of the 1,868 parents and/or guardians who had responded to the survey up to April 2011. Of the 643 respondents who have children with PWS
between the ages of 6 and 18, 393 reported having children who had been receiving growth hormone treatments either continuously, or for varying periods of time. The accompanying survey chart details the relationships in more than a dozen medical categories of those who had both received and NOT received growth
hormone treatments.
PWS Ages 6 to 18 with and without
Growth Hormone Treatment
Weight Related
Sleep Apnea
Cor Pulonale
Other Respiratory
Curvature of Spine
Fractures
Hip Dysplasia
Other Bone Problems
High Pain Threshold
Severe Skin Picking
Seizure
Pubic or Auxilary Hair
Before 8
Diabetes
Gastric/Intestinal
Disorders
GH
No GH
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
38
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
APPENDIX
A. Overview of Prader-Willi Syndrome
B. Information Resources on Prader-Willi Syndrome
C. Information Resources on Growth Hormone Use and Products
D. Glossary of Terms
E. Growth Hormone Studies of Children and Adults with PWS
F.Historic June 2000 Announcement from PWSA (USA)
of FDA Genotropin® Approval
G.Growth Hormone Treatment and Prader-Willi Syndrome:
PWSA (USA) Clinical Advisory Board Consensus Statement, June 2009
H.Bibliography on PWS and Growth Hormone
I.
PWSA (USA) Growth Hormone Precautions Statement, February 2011
J.Recommendations for Evaluation of Breathing Abnormalities
Associated with Sleep in Prader-Willi Syndrome, December 2003
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
APPENDIX A.
OVERVIEW OF PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex and uncommon genetic disorder that affects about one in every
12,000 to 15,000 people. It is a lifelong condition that can be life-threatening.
Genetics
PWS is caused by several different genetic errors on chromosome 15, all of which result in the loss of certain genes
normally expressed only from the chromosome 15 received from the father. The most common forms are:
 Deletion — some genes are missing from the chromosome 15 inherited from the father (about 70
percent of cases)
 Maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) — the child received two chromosome 15s from the mother and
lost the one from the father (about 25 percent of cases)
The remaining 3 to 5 percent involve rare errors that can be inherited. PWS usually is not passed down from
parent to child, and there is no known way to prevent it. Genetic testing, including prenatal testing, is now
available to confirm all cases of PWS and to identify the specific genetic cause and the risk of having another
affected child.
Physical Characteristics
Although not present in every person with the syndrome, the following are common:
 short stature
 small hands and feet
 hypotonia (low muscle tone in resting muscles) and poor muscle development
 excess fat, especially in the central portion of the body
 narrow forehead, almond-shaped eyes and thin, down-turned lips
 light skin and hair, compared with other family members (especially in those with the chromosome 15
deletion)
 lack of complete sexual development in adolescence (e.g., small genitals, delayed menses)
Major Challenges of PWS
Although children and adults with PWS have many wonderful qualities, they and their families face significant
challenges throughout life:
 Early growth and development — Infants often require assisted feeding efforts, including tubefeeding, to avoid failure to thrive. Major milestones (sitting up, walking, forming sentences, etc.) usually are delayed, and early intervention therapies often are needed to help develop motor, speech and
learning skills.
 Learning — The child with PWS usually has some degree of learning and attention difficulties, requiring special education support throughout the school years.
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A Reference for Families and Care Providers
 Physical ability — Weaknesses in muscle tone, strength and motor planning skills make it difficult to
gain coordination and speed for normal childhood activities and competitive sports. Since regular
exercise is essential for weight control, sports modifications and alternate activities must be found and
encouraged.
 Weight control — From early childhood, people with PWS require fewer calories than average to
maintain reasonable weight, but they usually develop a greater-than-average appetite. Scientists suspect
that PWS affects the brain’s appetite control center, preventing the person with PWS from feeling full
after eating. Until there are more effective medications to reduce appetite, those with the syndrome
need other people to restrict their access to food so that they won’t overeat. This requires careful meal
planning and vigilance at home, day care, school, work, recreation and all other daily environments.
 Behavior — There are common behavior difficulties in people with PWS besides the urge to overeat.
These may include obsessive-compulsive actions, changeable moods, sleepiness and underactivity,
resistance to change, temper outbursts and skin-picking. Dealing with these behaviors requires consistent strategies and supports and sometimes medication. In spite of these potential problems, children
and adults who have Prader-Willi syndrome are sweet and loving most of the time.
Major Medical Concerns
Conditions that are common in PWS and might require medical treatment include:
 obesity and its resulting problems, including Type 2 diabetes;
 respiratory weakness, of particular concern in infants and those with obesity;
 sleep apnea (periods of not breathing during sleep);
 osteoporosis (thinning of bones) in adults;
 scoliosis and kyphosis (abnormal curves of the spine); and
 strabismus (crossed eye).
Growth hormone therapy offers a number of health benefits for individuals with PWS, including improvements in height, body composition, respiration, physical activity level and bone density.
Additional Cautions
In monitoring health, families and care providers should be aware of these common characteristics in people
with PWS:
 reduced sensitivity to pain;
 temperature instability;
 absence of normal vomiting reflex; and
 sensitivity to normal doses of some medications.
For more information on Prader-Willi syndrome, see information resources in Appendix B.
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
APPENDIX B.
INFORMATION RESOURCES ON
PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA)
PWSA (USA) is a national membership organization for families, professionals and service providers, and is a
major source of information and research support on Prader-Willi syndrome in the United States. PWSA
(USA) supports research and offers information, crisis assistance, publications and multimedia products; a
bimonthly member newsletter, The Gathered View; and a national conference for families, service providers and
scientists. PWSA (USA) also has a network of state and regional chapters, a Scientific Advisory Board, Clinical
Advisory Board, Professional Providers Advisory Board, and an Adults with PWS Advisory Board. For a free
information packet about the syndrome and membership in PWSA (USA), please use any of the following
points of contact:
PWSA (USA)
8588 Potter Park Drive, Suite 500
Sarasota, FL 34238
Toll-free: 800-926-4797
Local:
941-312-0400
Fax: 941-312-0142
Website:
http://www.pwsausa.org
The PWSA (USA) website contains an extensive amount of information on issues such as medical, genetics,
school support, research, crisis support and general health care guidelines for individuals with PWS, as well as
links to other sources of information and support.
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A Reference for Families and Care Providers
APPENDIX C.
INFORMATION RESOURCES ON
GROWTH HORMONE USE AND PRODUCTS
Human Growth Foundation
997 Glen Cove Ave., #5
Glen Head, New York 11545-1593
Toll-free: 800-451-6434
Local:
516-671-4041
Fax:
516-671-4055
E-mail:
hgf1@hgfound.org
Website:
http://www.hgfound.org
The Human Growth Foundation (HGF) is a nonprofit membership organization of parents and professionals
interested in growth disorders. HGF offers publications, a quarterly newsletter, an annual conference and
e-mail discussion lists concerning growth issues in children and adults. HGF’s website contains a number of
informative articles about growth and deficiency treatment.
The MAGIC Foundation for Children’s Growth
(Major Aspects of Growth in Children)
6645 W. North Ave.
Oak Park, Illinois 60302
Toll-free: 800-362-9423
Local:
708-383-0808
Fax:
708-383-0899
Website:
http://www.magicfoundation.org
The MAGIC Foundation is a nonprofit membership organization providing support and education regarding
growth disorders in children and adults. It offers brochures, newsletters (print and online, for members only),
national networking, including an e-mail discussion list for families of children with GH deficiency, and an
annual convention. MAGIC’s website has many free brochures on various aspects of growth and deficiency
treatment.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
AACE updated its “Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for Growth Hormone Use in Growth HormoneDeficient Adults and Transition Patients” in 2009. These guidelines contain a great deal of information on the
use of growth hormone and appear under AACE Guidelines on the AACE website: http://www.aace.com
Growth hormone manufacturers’ websites
Manufacturers of synthetic growth hormone have helpful websites with general information about GH, as well
as specific information on their products.
(See listings on pages 44-47.)
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
GROWTH HORMONE PRODUCTS
Following is information about the major synthetic growth hormone products available for sale in the United
States in 2011 and the companies that produce them. These seven brands are identical to human growth hormone in molecular structure and are prescribed interchangeably. The products are nearly identical in composition, efficacy and cost, varying primarily in the formulations and delivery devices. There are a number of
variations in product lines, especially in final formulations (diluents and preservatives used) and in the mixing
and injection methods offered. GH injection devices and options continue to change. Manufacturers’ websites
should be checked for the latest information.
All of these manufacturers offer patient support programs, including insurance assistance and provision of
medication for the uninsured and underinsured.
GH Product Genotropin®
Manufacturer Pfizer, New York, NY
http://www.pfizer.com
GH information website
http://www.genotropin.com/
Special product features
Double-chamber cartridge allows GH powder and liquid to be mixed without use of syringes
Genotropin Pen® — with a needle guard to hide needles from view, customizable Geno-Caps® and a userfriendly digital dose display; 5 or 12 mg multidose unit; allows click-dialing of a day’s dosage
MiniQuick® — premeasured disposable syringes. An ideal travel choice, it’s prefilled and portable. Requires
no refrigeration for up to three months before reconstitution. Available in 10 dosage strengths. Preservative free.
Genotropin Mixer®, featuring a standard syringe system with flexible dosing.
Patient support program
“The Pfizer Bridge Program” — 800-645-1280. Assistance with insurance.
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A Reference for Families and Care Providers
GH Product
Humatrope® (Somatropin rDNA)
Manufacturer
Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
http://www.lilly.com
GH information website
http://humatrope.com
Special product features
HumatroPen™ — multidose unit; allows click-dialing of day’s dosage (user first injects liquid diluent into
powder cartridge with a separate syringe unit). 6, 12 and 24 mg. pens
Patient support program
800-545-5979 or 800-847-6988
“Humatrope Reimbursement Center”
“Humatrope Access Program”
GH Product
Norditropin®
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Princeton, NJ
http://www.novonordisk.com
GH information website
http://www.novonordisk.com/therapy_areas/growth_hormone/public/default.asp
http://www.norditropin-us.com/parents/nordiflex.asp
http://www.norditropin-us.com/flexpro/index.html
Special product features
FlexPro® — premixed, multidose GH pen can be used with FlexProPenMate®. Can be personalized with
skins and charms. Smaller pen for child’s smaller hand. 5, 10 or 15 mg.
FlexProPenMate® — an automatic needle insertion accessory with hidden needle
NordiFlex® — prefilled, multidose GH pen, can be used with NordiFlexPenMate®. Available in 30 mg.
NordiFlexPenMate — an automatic needle insertion accessory with hidden needle
Patient support program
888-NOVO-HGH (668-6444)
“NordiCare” — Reimbursement Hot Line assists with insurance coverage and claims submission.
“JumpStart” — Provides 28-day, no-charge supply of Norditropin cartridges to qualified patients working to
access insurance benefits.
“Patient Access Program” funds medication for patients with limited/no insurance coverage.
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
GH Product
Nutropin®
Manufacturer
Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA
http://www.genentech.com/
GH information website
http://www.nutropin.com/index.jsp
Special product features
Nutropin AQ NuSpin® — Liquid GH from a prefilled, automatic device. Available in 5, 10 and 20 mg.
Nutropin AQ Pen® — Liquid GH from a cartridge, delivered by a device. Available in 10 and 20 mg.
Nutropin AQ® with vial and syringe — liquid GH for use with a syringe. Available in 10 mg.
Nutropin Vial and Syringe — GH in dry powdered form, to be mixed with a special fluid for use with a syringe.
Available in 5 and 10 mg.
Patient support programs
866-NUTROPIN (688-7674)
“Nutropin GPS (Growing Patient Support) — assistance with insurance, free nurse hotline, injection training
Genetech Access to Care Foundation — Help for uninsured patients
GH Product
Omnitrope®
Manufacturer
Sandoz, Inc., Princeton, NJ
609-627-8500
http://www.sandoz.com/index.shtml
GH information website
http://www.omnitrope.com
Special product features
Omnitrope® — liquid GH injection pen available in 5 and 10 mg.
Omnitrope® — 5.8 mg vial for reconstitution for use with syringe.
Patient support program
OmniSource — provides insurance assistance, injection training, and the
Sandoz Patient Assistance Program — assists in obtaining Omnitrope to uninsured and underinsured patients
877-456-6784
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A Reference for Families and Care Providers
GH Product
Saizen®
Manufacturer
Merck, Rockland, MA
800-283-8088
http://www.merck.de/en/index.html
GH information website
http://www.howkidsgrow.com
Special product features
Easy Pod® — fully automated injection device for GH delivery
Cool.click™2 needle-free pen — injects GH through the skin with a blast of air
Patient support program
“Connections for Growth” — 800-582-7989
GH Product
Tev Tropin®
Manufacturer
Teva Pharmaceuticals, USA, North Wales, PA
888-TEVA-USA (838-2872)
http://www.tevabiologics.com/
GH information website
http://www.tev-tropin.com/
Special product features
Tev-Tropin® — Reconstitute dry powder with diluent for use with a syringe
T-Jet® Device — needle-free device for use with Tev-Tropin®
Patient support program
“Growth Solutions” — injection training and education, as well as insurance and reimbursement assistance
866-TEV-TROP (838-8767)
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
APPENDIX D.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Following are definitions of some of the terms used in this publication and in the clinical research summaries.
BIA
Bioelectrical impedance analysis; use of an electrical
charge to measure fat in the body (fat tissue resists
electricity); considered to be less accurate than DEXA
scan
Body composition
Proportions of body weight made up of fat, muscle,
bone, etc.
Bone age
Stage of development of the bones, evaluated by
comparing a hand x-ray to a series of reference x-rays
for specific chronological ages; used to determine
skeletal growth potential
Bone mineral density (BMD)
Thickness, strength of internal bone structure
Endocrine
Referring to the body’s system of hormones and the
glands that produce and release them into the bloodstream
Endocrinologist
A medical doctor who specializes in disorders of the
endocrine system
Epiphysis
The layer of cartilage at the ends of the skeletal bones
where new cell growth occurs in children; when the
epiphysis “closes,” all cartilage has hardened into
bone and no further growth is possible; also called the
growth plate
BMI
Body mass index, a formula used to determine obesity; calculated by dividing a person’s weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters)
Fat-free mass
The portion of body that is not fat, including muscle,
bone and water
CAT scan
Computerized axial tomography, now known as
computed tomography or CT scan; a type of x-ray
that films cross sections of the body to measure
masses and body composition
GH
Growth hormone, a protein hormone made and
stored in the pituitary gland and released into the
bloodstream in response to GHRH; also called
somatotropin
Centimeter (cm)
A metric unit of linear measurement equal to 0.39
inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm)
GHD
Growth hormone deficiency, a lack of sufficient
growth hormone in the body
Control group
Participants in a study who receive no treatment;
used to compare results with the treated group
GHRH
Growth hormone releasing hormone, the messenger
hormone sent by the hypothalamus to the pituitary
gland, prompting it to release growth hormone
CT scan
Computed tomography, a type of x-ray that films
cross sections of the body to measure masses and
body composition; also referred to as CAT scan
48
DEXA scan
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, a low-level x-ray
used to measure body composition and bone density
GH stimulation test
Measurement of GH in the bloodstream following
administration of one or more substances known to
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
stimulate growth hormone release; also called provocative GH testing
Height velocity
The rate of height growth, usually measured in centimeters per year
hGH
Human growth hormone produced in the pituitary
gland, as distinguished from the synthetic form
Hypothalamus
The part of the brain that connects the nervous system and the endocrine system; the hypothalamus is
connected to the pituitary gland and gives it the commands to make and release growth hormone
IGF-I
Insulin-like growth factor-I, a protein hormone produced by the liver in response to growth hormone;
IGF-I directly causes growth in skeletal and muscle
cells; IGF-I is also called somatomedin-C
IGFBP-3
IGF binding protein-3; the substance that carries
IGF-I throughout the body to promote growth
IU
(also written as mU) International unit; a weight
measurement equal to 0.33 milligrams (1 mg = 3 IU)
Kilogram (kg)
A metric unit of weight measurement equal to 2.2
pounds (1 pound = 0.45 kg)
Meter (m)
A metric unit of linear measurement equal to 39.37
inches or 100 centimeters
M2
Meters squared; a computation of body surface area
based on a person’s weight and height; sometimes
used to calculate GH dosage, especially when weight
is high for the person’s height
Pituitary gland
The “master” endocrine gland that makes and releases growth hormone into the body as well as a number
of different hormones that stimulate the other endocrine glands; the pituitary is connected to and controlled by the hypothalamus
Pulmonary function
Breathing, lung function
Recombinant Growth Hormone (rGH)
A biosynthetic hormone that is identical to human
growth hormone, but it is synthesized in the lab
Resting energy expenditure (REE)
Metabolic rate (calorie usage) during rest
SD
Standard deviation; a unit of measure to describe how
much a given number is below (-) or above (+) the
average for a certain group; 2 SD is the difference
between the 50th and the 3rd percentile on a growth
chart
Linear growth
Growth in height
Skinfold thickness
A physical measurement of body fat, using a tool
called calipers to determine the thickness of flesh at
specific areas of the body
Liver
The major target organ for GH; in response to GH
in the bloodstream, the liver produces IGF-I and
releases it to promote growth in bones and muscles
Somatropin (rDNA origin)
The medical name for synthetic growth hormone
products that are identical in molecular structure to
human growth hormone
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
APPENDIX E.
GROWTH HORMONE STUDIES OF CHILDREN
AND ADULTS WITH PWS
EDITOR’S NOTE: This summary of methods and findings is presented alphabetically by country.
Please consult the bibliography in Appendix H for complete citations.
GERMANY
One-Year Results of Growth Hormone Treatment of Short Stature in Prader-Willi Syndrome
(Hauffa, et al., Acta Paediatricia Supplement, November 1997)
Participants:
17 prepubertal children, ages 3-12, with projected final height <3rd percentile for Germans
Study Description:
Eight children received GH treatment at a starting dose of 0.075 IU/kg/day for one month, followed by an
increase to 0.15 IU/kg/day (up to a maximum dose of 8 IU/day) for the next 11 months. The remaining nine
children received no GH treatment during the year. Measurements were taken for both groups at the start and
at one year.
Results:
 Height velocity increased significantly (+5.5 SD) for the treated group and decreased for the controls
 GH treatments result in height increase (+1.07 SD) without acceleration of bone age advancement
 IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels in the blood also increased significantly
 No differences found between the groups in weight and body composition (measured as skinfold
thickness and waist:hip ratio)
SWEDEN-DENMARK-NORWAY
Two Years of Growth Hormone Therapy Improves Body Composition in Adults with PraderWilli Syndrome (Rasmus Sode-Carlson, et al., Presented in May 2010 in Taipei, Taiwan at
International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organisation 7th Scientific Conference)
Participants:
46 adults with PWS (25 women and 21 men); median age, 29 years
Study Description:
This Scandinavian study was undertaken in an effort to confirm and substantiate the results of three previous
studies that adults with genetically verified PWS experienced beneficial effects of growth hormone treatment
upon body composition. Only one of the three earlier studies had the optimal randomized controlled design.
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A Reference for Families and Care Providers
The patients in this project were randomized to treatment with GH or placebo for 12 months. During the
following 12 months all patients were treated with GH according to their IGF-I value. Body composition was
measured yearly by dual x-ray absorptiometry.
Results:
In this first large-scale, long-term placebo-controlled study the improvement in body composition by GH treatment in adults with PWS was confirmed. No side effects were observed. Based on our two-year results, findings
persist during long-term therapy.
Growth Hormone Treatment of Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome Affects Linear Growth
and Body Composition Favourably (Lindgren, et al., Acta Paediatricia, January 1998)
Participants:
29 prepubertal children, ages 3-12 years
Study Description:
Children were observed for six months, followed by random assignment to treatment (15 children) or control
group (14). A non-PWS control group — 10 normal, obese children, ages 5-12 — was also studied. The GH
treatment group received 0.1 IU/kg/day. Diet was controlled throughout the study to keep energy intake at
same level per kg of body weight.
Results at One Year:
 Increase in height velocity (+6.0 SD), from 4.1 cm/yr to 11 cm/yr
 25% reduction in fat mass in treated group (measured by BIA, DEXA and CAT scan of thigh)
 30% increase in fat-free mass in treated group
 Increase in fasting insulin levels and IGF-I levels in treated group
 No severe progression of scoliosis in either PWS group
 No difference found between the treated and untreated PWS groups in progression of bone age or
puberty, in bone mineral density, or in calorie intake
Study Continuation in Sweden:
Nine children from the treatment group in the first year of the study continued treatment at 0.1 IU/kg/day for
a second year. Another nine children from the untreated PWS control group began GH treatment at a dose of
0.2 IU/kg/day. After one year, both groups stopped GH treatment for six months, then were restarted, all at the
lower dose of 0.1 IU/kg/day. Treatment was continued through five years from the start of the original study.
Results at Five Years:
 At both dosage levels (0.1 and 0.2 IU), BMI decreased significantly during the first year of treatment,
then increased again during the six months without treatment, with a significant rise among those who
had been treated only one year and at the higher dose of GH
 At both dosage levels (0.1 and 0.2 IU), height increased significantly during the first year of treatment
 Fasting insulin levels increased in both groups with GH treatment, and rose above normal levels in the
higher dose group (two children developed Type 2 diabetes after rapid weight gain and stopped GH
treatment in order to resolve it)
 After five years of GH treatment, participants maintained above-average growth rate for their age, and
four children reached their final heights within ± 2 SD of their target heights
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
SWITZERLAND
Treatment with Human Growth Hormone in Patients with Prader-Labhart-Willi Syndrome
Reduces Body Fat and Increases Muscle Mass and Physical Performance (Eiholzer, et al.,
European Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 157, 1998)
Participants:
12 children, ages 0.6 - 14.6 years
Study Description:
All were treated with GH at a dose of 24 IU/m2/week for one year. Effects were compared for three groups of
the participants: Group 1 — overweight and prepubertal (six children, ages 3.8 - 7.0 years), Group 2 — underweight and prepubertal (three children, ages 0.6 - 4.1), and Group 3 — pubertal (three children, ages 9.2 14.6). Body composition was measured by DEXA in the two older groups.
Results:
 In all groups, height velocity, hand and foot length, and arm span increased, but the changes were
smaller in the oldest group
 Body fat decreased (percent fat dropped 14 points for Group 1 and 4 points for Group 3), but did not
reach normal levels
 The youngest, underweight children gained weight for height because of the increased muscle mass,
while the overweight groups had a decrease in BMI, weight for height and skinfold thickness
 Muscle mass increased in all groups, but less dramatically in the oldest group
 Physical performance improved in four children who were tested
THE NETHERLANDS
Efficacy and Safety of Long-Term Continuous Growth Hormone Treatment in Children with
Prader-Willi Syndrome (van Wijngaarden et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism,
Vol. 94, 2009)
Participants:
55 children with a mean age of 5.9 years
Study Description:
Investigate effects of long-term continuous GH treatment on body composition, growth, bone maturation, and
safety parameters during four years of continuous GH treatment (1 mg/m2 · d). Data were annually obtained
on fat percentage (fat%) and lean body mass (LBM) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, height, weight, head
circumference, bone age, blood pressure, and fasting IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3, glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. SD scores were calculated according to Dutch and PWS reference values (SDS and SDSPWS).
Results:
Four years of continuous GH treatment in children with PWS improves body composition by decreasing
fat%SDS and stabilizing LBMSDS and head circumferenceSDS and normalizes heightSDS without adverse
effects. Thus, long-term continuous GH treatment is an effective and safe therapy for children with PWS.
Fat%SDS was significantly lower after 4 years of GH treatment (P < 0.0001). LBMSDS significantly increased
52
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
during the first year (P = 0.02) but returned to baseline values the second year and remained unchanged thereafter. Mean ± SD height normalized from –2.27 ± 1.2 SDS to –0.24 ± 1.2 SDS (P < 0.0001). Head circumference SDS increased from –0.79 ± 1.0 at start to 0.07 ± 1.1 SDS after 4 yr. BMISDSPWS significantly decreased.
Mean ± SD IGF-I and the IGF-I/IGF binding protein-3 ratio significantly increased to 2.08 ± 1.1 and 2.32 ±
0.9 SDS, respectively. GH treatment had no adverse effects on bone maturation, blood pressure, glucose
homeostasis and serum lipids.
Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of Growth Hormone Treatment on
Scoliosis in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome (van Wijngaarden et al., Journal of Clinical
Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol. 94, 2009)
Participants:
91 children with PWS with median age of 4.7 years
Study Description:
The aim was to study the effects of GH treatment on the onset of scoliosis and curve progression. The prevalence of scoliosis in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is 30–80 percent, depending on age. Although
reports about effects of GH treatment on scoliosis in children with PWS are limited, scoliosis is generally considered a contraindication for GH treatment. We conducted a multicenter, randomized, controlled GH study
in infants and prepubertal and pubertal children. Infants and prepubertal children were randomized into a
GH-treated group (1.0 mg/m2 · d) and a control group for 1 and 2 yr, respectively. Pubertal children were
randomized to receive somatropin 1.0 or 1.5 mg/m2 · d. Yearly, x-rays of the spine were taken, and height,
weight, truncal lean body mass (with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), and IGF-I were measured.
Results:
GH-treated children had similar onset of scoliosis and curve progression as randomized controls (P = 0.27–0.79
and P = 0.18–0.98, respectively). GH treatment, IGF-I SD score (SDS), and catch-up growth had no adverse
effect on the onset of scoliosis or curve progression, even after adjustment for confounders. Height SDS, truncal lean body mass, and IGF-I SDS were significantly higher in GH-treated children than in randomized
controls. At baseline, a higher IGF-I SDS was associated with a lower severity of scoliosis. Scoliosis should no
longer be considered a contraindication for GH treatment in children with PWS.
Mental and Motor Development Before and During Growth Hormone Treatment in Infants
and Toddlers with Prader-Willi Syndrome (Festen, et al., Clinical Endocrinology, Vol. 68, 2008)
Participants:
43 infants with PWS
Study Description:
In an effort to evaluate psychomotor development in infants with Prader-Willi syndrome who are receiving
growth hormone treatments, 29 of the 43 participants were randomized into a GH group (n=15) receiving
1mg/m2/day GH or a non-GH treated control group (n=14). At baseline and after 12 months of follow-up,
analysis with Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID-II) was performed. Data were converted to percentage of expected development age (%ed), and changes during follow-up were calculated.
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
Results:
Both mental and motor development improved significantly during the first year of the study in the GH group
vs. the control group: median interquartile range change was +9.3% (-5.3 to 13.3) vs. -2.9% (-8.1 to 4.9)
(P<0.05) in mental development and +11.2 % (-4.9 to 22.5) vs. -18.5% (-27.9 to 1.8) (P<0.05) in motor
development, respectively.
UNITED KINGDOM
Effect of Growth Hormone on Height, Weight and Body Composition in Prader-Willi Syndrome
(Davies, et al., Archives of Disease in Childhood, Vol. 78, 1998)
Participants:
25 children, ages 4-10
Study Description:
Children were observed for six months, followed by six months of GH treatment at a dose of 20 IU/m2/week
in daily injections. Testing was done at start, six months and 12 months for height, weight, skinfold thickness
and body composition (through measurement of total body water, using stable isotopes).
Results:
 Height velocity doubled, increasing height by an average 5.7 cm
 Percent body fat rose before GH treatment, and declined with treatment (from an average 36.7% at 0
months to 40.6% at six months and to 32.5% at 12 months)
 Skinfold thickness decreased
 Percent fat-free mass increased from 59.4% to 67.5%
UNITED STATES
Growth Hormone Treatment of Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Growth Hormone
Deficiency Improves Lean Body Mass, Fractional Body Fat, and Serum Triiodothyronine without Glucose Impairment: Results from the U.S. Multi-Center Trial (Mogul, et al., Journal of
Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, January 2008)
Participants:
38 adults with PWS (25 women and 13 men); mean age of 30.5 years
Study Description:
Growth hormone (GH) replacement in children with PWS has well-defined benefits and risks and is used
extensively worldwide. The objective of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of GH in
GH-deficient genotype positive PWS adults at four academic medical centers over a 12-month period with
six-month dose-optimization and six-month stable treatment periods. Human recombinant GH was initiated
at 0.2mg/day with monthly 0.2mg increments to maximum 1.0mg/day, as tolerated.
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A Reference for Families and Care Providers
Results:
LBM increased from 42.65([se]2.25) to 45.47[2.31]kg (P≤.0001) and %fat decreased from 42.84[1.12] to
39.95[1.34] % (P=.025) at a median final dose of 0.6mg/day in 30 study subjects who completed 6-12 months
of GH. Mean fasting glucose, 85.3[3.4]mg/dl, HbA1C5.5[.2]%, fasting insulin 5.3[.6]µU/ml, AUC-insulin
60.4[7.5] µU/ml. HOMA-IR[.2] were normal at baseline in 38 study initiators, including 5 diabetics, and
remained in normal range. Total T3 increased 26.75%: 127.0[7.8] to 150.5[7.8]ng/dl (P=.021) with normalization in all subjects, including 6(20%) with baseline T3’s≥2SD’s below mean. Mildly progressive ankle edema
was the most serious treatment emergent adverse event (5 patients). This study demonstrates that GH improves
body composition, normalizes T3, and is well tolerated without glucose impairment in PWS genotype adults.
Final Adult Height in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome with and without Human Growth
Hormone Treatment (Angulo, et al., American Journal of Medical Genetics, Part A., 143A, 2007)
Participants:
21 individuals (8 females and 13 males), ages 15-20, who received growth hormone treatments and attained
final adult height after 7.9 + 1.7 years; and 39 individuals (26 females and 13 males), ages 18-25, identified
through the same database and who reached adult height without receiving growth hormone treatment.
Study Description:
The objective of this study was to compare adult heights attained in separate groups of males and females with
Prader-Willi syndrome. One group of subjects had received growth hormone treatments; the second group had
not received growth hormone treatments. Subjects were included in the study if they had reached adult height,
determined as the height attained when the bone age reached 16 years for males and 14 years for females, and
when growth velocity had reached a plateau (<2cm/year).
Results:
Data revealed that the administration of growth hormone to children with Prader-Willi syndrome restores linear
growth and final adult height without significant adverse events. In contrast, children with PWS who had not
received growth hormone treatments had a significant decrease in growth velocity, with a mean final adult height
under 2 standard deviations below the relevant population mean, and a higher risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Long-Term Growth Hormone Therapy Changes the Natural History of Body Composition
and Motor Function in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome (Carrel, et al., Journal of Clinical
Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol. 95, 2010)
Participants:
48 children (21, ages 6-9; and 27, ages 5-9)
Study Description:
To assess the impact of hGH therapy begun early in life on the natural history of PWS, we compared height, body
composition and strength in similar-age children with PWS naïve to hGH with those treated with hGH for 6
years. Twenty-one subjects (aged 6-9 yr) treated with hGH for 6 years (beginning at 4-32 months, mean 13 ± 6
months) were compared with 27 children of similar age (5-9 yr) prior to treatment with hGH. Percent body fat,
lean body mass, carbohydrate/lipid metabolism, and motor strength were compared using analysis of covariance.
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
Results:
PWS children treated with hGH demonstrated lower body fat (mean, 36.1 ± 2.1 vs. 44.6 ± 1.8%, P < 0.01),
greater height (131 ± 2 vs. 114 ± 2 cm; P < 0.001), greater motor strength [increased standing broad jump 22.9
± 2.1 vs. 14.6 ± 1.9 in. (P < 0.001) and sit-ups 12.4 ± 0.9 vs. 7.1 ± 0.7 in 30 sec (P < 0.001)], increased highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (58.9 ± 2.6 vs. 44.9 ± 2.3 mg/dl, P < 0.001), decreased low-density lipoprotein
(100 ± 8 vs. 131 ± 7 mg/dl, P < 0.01), and no difference in fasting glucose or insulin.
Conclusions:
hGH treatment in children with PWS, begun prior to 2 years of age, improves body composition, motor function, height and lipid profiles. The magnitude of these effects suggests that long-term hGH therapy favorably
alters the natural history of PWS to an extent that exceeds risks and justifies consideration for initiation during
infancy.
Growth Hormone Improves Body Composition, Fat Utilization, Physical Strength and Agility,
and Growth in Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Controlled Study (Carrel, et al., Journal of Pediatrics,
134 (2), 1999)
Participants:
54 children, ages 4-16
Study Description:
All were observed for six months; then 35 children were treated with GH at a dose of 1 mg/m2/day, and 19
were untreated controls for one year. In the second year, the control group also received GH treatment, all at
the same initial dose. Comprehensive testing was done on all subjects, including behavioral surveys, diet records
and bone x-rays, in addition to blood tests and measurements of height, weight, body composition, resting
energy expenditure and physical performance.
Results:
 Treated children increased height, growth velocity and muscle mass during the two years, although
growth rate slowed in the second year
 Head, hand and foot measurements approached normal averages during treatment, and the lower facial
height exceeded average
 Treated children improved in running speed, sit-ups, broad jump and weight-lifting tests, compared
with the control group
 Improvements in pulmonary function and physical performance during the first year were maintained
during the second year, with further increases in arm strength and running speed
 Body fat decreased by an average 8 percentage points after one year of treatment, but did not decrease
further during the second year
 70% had mild scoliosis at the start of the study, and progression of the curves was similar in the
treated and untreated groups
 Total cholesterol and LDL decreased, and HDL increased after one year of growth hormone treatment
 Resting energy expenditure started below average and increased in both groups, but more so in the
treated children
 Bone mineral density started within normal ranges and increased at a greater rate in the treated children than in the controls
 GH treatment caused no deterioration in behavior and appeared to reduce depression, obsessive/compulsive symptoms and skin-picking
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Growth Hormone and Mortality in Prader-Willi Syndrome (Abstract By Phillip D. K. Lee, MD,
FAAP, FACE www.GGHjournal.com June 2006)
The administration of growth hormone (GH) has numerous benefits for individuals with PWS including a
decline in the fat percentage of lean body mass, and improvement in body composition, agility and muscle
strength. In the almost 20 years since the introduction of the use of GH in PWS, very few bad effects have
been reported. However, two children with PWS who were receiving GH died in 2002. This led to a discussion
about the safety of GH in PWS and ultimately resulted in the drug company, Pfizer, applying a warning label
to its GH prescriptions. This warning stated that GH should not be used in those with PWS who are severely
obese or have severe breathing problems. In 2004, other drug companies added the same warning to their GH
drugs. This led to a tremendous amount of concern in the PWS community, as denying GH to individuals
with PWS can be very damaging to their health and lifestyles.
Unfortunately, premature death in PWS has been a problem since long before GH was used as a treatment.
Deaths are often due to cardio-respiratory illness, and none of the reported 190 deaths reported to PWSA
(USA) since 1977 appear to be related to GH. Since May of 2006, 18 children and two adults worldwide with
PWS died while receiving GH. Some of these deaths were due to causes completely unrelated to GH, such as
drowning in a bathtub. Many of the deaths were in individuals who were significantly overweight, and almost
all of the cases were not receiving the dose on the medication’s label.
Some have suggested that GH can cause death in individuals with PWS with breathing problems. For individuals who appear to have died because of severe breathing problems, it is noted that these problems were
present before GH treatment even began. In five out of six cases examined, cases of those with breathing problems, GH treatment did not make these types of conditions worse. Special analysis of sleep problems need not
be standard for every individual being treated with GH. However, if an individual has a history of excessive
daytime sleepiness or extreme breathing problems during sleep, a sleep analysis is recommended before GH
treatment.
The concerns about GH and death in PWS are ultimately invalid for the following reasons: 1) deaths in infants
with PWS are usually due to feeding aspiration, have nothing to do with GH treatment and should be closely
monitored; 2) deaths in older children and adults with PWS are very often associated with obesity, and the
insulin resistance associated with obesity may be increased by GH; this deserves special attention; 3) tubdrowning deaths have nothing to do with GH and should be addressed separately; 4) most of the deaths during
GH treatment occurred with doses below the recommended amounts; doses should not be limited and should
be well-monitored; 5) clinical follow-up is crucial to preventing deaths which are attributed to GH treatment,
as almost all of the reported deaths occurred within the first 18 months of treatment; and 6) sleep analysis
should not be required for GH treatment unless the patient has an outstanding history of breathing problems
which merit further examination before treatment begins. (This opinion is not held by most PWS experts
who believe a sleep study should be done. See Appendix G, Growth Hormone Treatment and Prader-Willi
Syndrome: PWSA (USA) Clinical Advisory Board Consensus Statement, June 2009.)
GH as a treatment for those with PWS has led to improvements in height and appearance in addition to providing “a new outlook on life.” Further population studies and more thorough follow-up with patients will add
to our knowledge of GH and will lead to a better understanding of how to best administer GH while sparing
the seemingly unnecessary association between deaths in PWS and this life-altering treatment.
57
APPENDIX F.
HISTORIC JUNE 2000 ANNOUNCEMENT FROM
PWSA (USA) OF FDA GENOTROPIN® APPROVAL
June 2000
Dear PWSA (USA) Member:
Prader-Willi
Syndrome
Association
U.S.A.
*
(800) 926-4797
(941) 312-0400
Fax: (941) 312-0142
As we have all been aware, for years there has been no medication specifically approved for
individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Now, finally, there is some good news. We
are pleased to inform you that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has just determined
that PWS is an “indication” (eligible condition) for treatment with GenotropinTM (somatropin
rDNA for injection), which is a form of growth hormone manufactured by Pharmacia Corporation.
Previously approved to treat “growth hormone deficiency” in children and adults, Genotropin is
now the only treatment approved specifically for “growth failure in children with PWS.”
This does not mean that there is a problem if your child is on another brand of growth hormone.
In general, growth hormone therapy has been approved for some time – but now, Genotropin
specifically has been approved for treating PWS. Genotropin’s approval for PWS was issued by
FDA under the Orphan Drug Act. (This designation is only given to treatments for which the
potential patient population is under 200,000. Orphan Drug status entitles Pharmacia exclusivity in marketing the drug for this purpose for the next seven years.) FDA approval should make
it easier for families to appeal to insurance companies for coverage and should help with Medicaid
coverage. Also, under the FDA ruling, growth hormone deficiency testing will no longer be
required for children with PWS and growth failure who are being considered for GH treatment.
Results from the studies submitted to the FDA reveal that growth hormone treatment improves
growth and body composition in children with PWS, including stimulating skeletal growth,
decreasing the amount of body fat and increasing lean body mass (muscle). Given the many issues
faced by families affected by PWS, we believe the increased availability of growth hormone will be
of benefit to many members of our community by helping to reduce some of the major medical
problems often inherent in this syndrome. Please note that you should consult with your physician
as to whether growth hormone therapy is appropriate in your particular case, since it may not be
beneficial for every child with PWS.
By the end of the year PWSA (USA) will publish a new booklet for parents and guardians,
designed to help you make informed decisions about growth hormone treatment. When it is
available, we will inform you through our newsletter, The Gathered View. Meanwhile, you can
refer to the enclosed consensus statement and log on to our website at www.pwsausa.org. If you
would like more information specifically about Genotropin or its use in PWS, please feel free to
visit the Genotropin website (www.genotropin.com) or call 1-800-645-1280.
It is a new era for Prader-Willi syndrome with many encouraging things on the horizon! We are
enclosing further “cutting edge” information on growth hormone therapy, and will do all we can
to keep you informed of all new treatment options.
Sincerely,
Janalee Heinemann, MSW
Executive Director, PWSA (USA)
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
EDITOR’S NOTE: In April 2010 the FDA approved a second growth hormone treatment specifically for
children with growth failure due to Prader-Willi syndrome. This latest product approval involves
Omnitrope®, manufactured by Sandoz, Inc. See Appendix C for additional product information.
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Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
APPENDIX G.
GROWTH HORMONE TREATMENT AND PRADERWILLI SYNDROME: PWSA (USA) CLINICAL ADVISORY
BOARD CONSENSUS STATEMENT, JUNE 2009
Since the commercial release of recombinant human growth hormone (GH) in 1985, therapeutic use of this
medication has been studied in a variety of medical conditions and genetic syndromes. Based on current
medical knowledge, the Clinical Advisory Board of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) has drafted
and approved this policy statement to guide health care providers in the use of GH treatment in individuals
with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Currently, 60 percent of the individuals in the PWSA (USA) database are
receiving GH therapy.
Current considerations regarding the use of GH treatment in PWS can be divided into the following categories:
1. GH treatment of infants/children with PWS to improve body composition abnormalities and improve
linear growth
2. GH treatment of adults with PWS to improve body composition abnormalities and improve bone
mineral density
Numerous studies indicate that GH deficiency occurs frequently in children with PWS and that treatment with
GH is efficacious in improving the growth and body composition of these children1-4. GH should not be a
substitute for appropriate nutritional intake and physical activity.
GH treatment is FDA-approved for individuals with PWS. It is well-recognized that GH deficiency is a part
of PWS and that provocative testing for GH deficiency is not indicated for children with PWS because: 1) the
results can be influenced by obesity; 2) different testing protocols give widely discrepant results; 3) the diagnostic boundary for normal/abnormal GH result in response to testing is still debated; and 4) there is no ideal
testing protocol.
GH Treatment of Infants and Children with PWS
Multiple studies have documented the benefits of GH therapy in individuals with PWS, including, but not
limited to, improvements in lean body mass, decreased body fat, increased bone mineral density, and normalization of adult height1-5. Further, GH treatment in infants and children with PWS has been shown to improve
strength, agility and motor development. Treatment with GH has also been shown to positively affect nitrogen
balance and increase energy expenditure in individuals with PWS. Moreover, GH treatment may help preserve
lean body mass during caloric restriction. There is evidence that beginning GH therapy prior to 2 years of age
is beneficial because of the positive effects of this treatment on mental and motor development6-8.
The risks and benefits of GH treatment should be thoroughly discussed with the child’s parents or guardians
before making a decision to treat. At the same time, it should be stressed that GH therapy is only one treatment
tool for their child and should be used in conjunction with appropriate nutritional intake and physical activity.
GH treatment should not be viewed as a substitute for diet and exercise.
Treatment should commence using standard dose guidelines (0.18 – 0.3 mg/kg/week) given as a daily subcutaneous injection with careful monitoring of clinical status at regular intervals. Standard GH treatment includes
60
A Reference for Families and Care Providers
dose initiation and adjustment based on weight. However, there is some evidence that lean mass is a better
indicator of GH requirements and, therefore, monitoring clinical growth and IGF-1 levels is helpful in determining dose adjustments. The Clinical Advisory Board recommends that the GH dose in children with PWS
be adjusted on an individual basis rather than by specific criteria. Clinical monitoring should include nutritional status, height, weight and head circumference measurements; calculation of growth velocity; bone age;
physical examination; and measurement of IGF-1, glucose, insulin and thyroid hormone levels, as well as
ensuring adequate nutrition for growth and brain development. If feasible, assessment of body composition is
also helpful.
Children with PWS have an increased risk for spinal curvature abnormalities, including scoliosis and kyphosis.
In general, these findings may first become apparent or more rapidly progress during periods of rapid growth.
There is no evidence that GH itself causes these abnormalities9. Children with PWS, whether or not they are
treated with GH, should receive a careful back examination at least annually. The decision to initiate or continue GH treatment in a child with spinal curvature abnormalities should be made in consultation with an
endocrinologist and an orthopedic surgeon experienced in PWS, and after full discussion with the child’s parents or guardians.
Children with PWS are prone to developing obesity and its associated complications, including glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. GH may induce insulin insensitivity. Therefore, children with PWS and GH
deficiency should be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of glucose intolerance during GH treatment,
particularly if they are massively obese (e.g., >200% of ideal body weight) or have a family history of diabetes
mellitus. Routine biochemical screening tests may include fasting blood glucose, urine glucose dipstick or
HbA1c. If diabetes mellitus occurs as a result of GH therapy, the GH treatment should be stopped. If treatment
is restarted, the dose of GH should be substantially reduced. If glucose intolerance occurs with GH therapy it
can typically be treated with an oral hypoglycemic agent, such as metformin.
Children with PWS have an increased prevalence of respiratory dysfunction, which may be related to obesity,
hypotonia or central respiratory drive abnormalities3,10. Careful history and assessment of respiratory abnormalities should be evaluated prior to and during GH therapy. Individuals with sleep apnea, either before or
after beginning GH therapy, should be evaluated by a pulmonologist, otolaryngologist and gastroenterologist
to determine if:
1. The apnea is mild or central in origin (in which case GH is not contraindicated).
2. If the apnea is severe and obstructive in origin, this needs to be addressed before GH is initiated.
3. There are confounding pre-existing conditions, such as morbid obesity, upper respiratory tract infection, adenoid/tonsillar hypertrophy, or gastroesophageal reflux that may exacerbate sleep-disordered
breathing. In addition, some groups recommend that individuals with PWS have overnight polysomnography before and ~ 6-12 weeks after beginning GH treatment10 and if there is any worsening of
clinical symptoms while on GH therapy.
GH Treatment of Persons who have Achieved Final Height and Adults with PWS
Recent studies indicate that adults with PWS also benefit from GH replacement therapy, with improvements
in body composition, bone mineral density, and exercise capacity11,12. Treatment doses are typically started at
0.2 mg/day and increased by 0.2 mg increments as necessary to maintain IGF-1 levels within the normal range
for age and sex. The prevalence of GH deficiency in adults with PWS is not well-documented, but the problems
surrounding provocative testing for GH deficiency are the same as described above for children. However, at
this time in the U.S. insurance companies still require documentation of GH deficiency by provocative testing
in adults with PWS.
61
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
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Whitman, B.Y., Myers, S.E., Carrel, A.L. and Allen,
D.B. A Treatment/Control Group Study of
Growth Hormone Treatment: Impact on
Behavior — A Preliminary Look.
Endocrinologist 2000;10 (4), Suppl 1:31S-37S.
Zipf, W.B. Glucose Homeostasis in Prader-Willi
Syndrome and Potential Implications of
Growth Hormone Therapy. Acta Paediatr
Suppl. 1999 Dec;88(433):115-7.
Theodoridis, C.G., Brown, G.A., Chance, G.W. and
Rudd, B.T. Plasma Growth Hormone Levels in
Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Aust
Paediatr J. 1971 Mar;7(1):24-7.
Van Gaal, L.F., Wauters, M.A., Mertens, I.L.,
Considine, R.V. and De Leeuw, I.H. Clinical
Endocrinology of Human Leptin. Int J Obes
Relat Metab Disord. 1999 Feb;23 Suppl 1:2936. Review.
Van Wijngaarden, et al. Efficacy and Safety of LongTerm Continuous Growth Hormone Treatment
in Children with Prader-Willi Sydrome. Journal
of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol.
94, No. 11, 4205-4215, 2009.
Van Wijngaarden, et al. Randomized Controlled
Trial to Investigate the Effects of Growth
Hormone Treatment on Scoliosis in Children
with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Journal of
Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol. 94,
No.4., 1274-1280, 2009.
(Various authors) Prader-Willi Syndrome in the
New Millennium. Supplement 1 to The
Endocrinologist 10 (4), July 2000.
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APPENDIX I.
PWSA (USA) GROWTH HORMONE
PRECAUTIONS STATEMENT, FEBRUARY 2011
We advocate a sleep study before the start of growth hormone (GH) on infants, children and adults with
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), and then a follow-up study 6-8 weeks later. If there is worsening of obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA) while on GH, temporarily stopping the GH is recommended until the cause is understood.
Frequently, the OSA can be corrected by removing the adenoids and tonsils or lowering the dose of GH (in the
face of an abnormally high IGF-1). We also recommend taking precautions during bouts of upper respiratory
infections. There are reports and discussions in the medical literature about adrenal hypofunction in PWS. Single measures
of cortisol levels will not be helpful and adrenal challenge tests may be warranted. Please consult an endocrinologist for input and advice before starting growth hormone treatment. Infants with PWS may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes obstructive hypopneas/apneas.
If an evaluation is positive for GERD, an anti-reflux medication may be prudent before starting GH.
Studies have shown that in most individuals with sleep-disordered breathing due to PWS, GH can actually
improve (or at least does not worsen) the apnea (Haqq, et al., 2004; Miller, et al., 2006; Festen, et al., 2006). Withholding GH from those with sleep apnea may be detrimental on several levels. Therefore, the recommended
approach is that children with PWS be monitored closely when starting GH to make sure they do not worsen. The FDA has a statement warning that there could be an increased risk of death associated with GH due to a
recent study in France indicating that there may be a slightly increased risk of death in certain individuals treated with GH. PWS is not one of the groups mentioned as being at increased risk; they specifically mention
idiopathic short stature and isolated GH deficiency.
Jennifer Miller, M.D., M.S. – Endocrinologist, PWSA (USA) Clinical Advisory Board member
Merlin G. Butler, M.D., Ph.D. — PWSA (USA) Scientific Advisory Board Chairperson
Daniel J. Driscoll, M.D., Ph.D. — PWSA (USA) Clinical Advisory Board Chairperson
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APPENDIX J.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVALUATION
OF BREATHING ABNORMALITIES ASSOCIATED
WITH SLEEP IN PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME
PWSA (USA) Clinical Advisory Board Consensus Statement
December 2003
Problems with sleep and sleep disordered breathing have been long known to affect individuals with PraderWilli syndrome (PWS). The problems have been frequently diagnosed as sleep apnea (obstructive [OSA],
central or mixed) or hypoventilation with hypoxia. Disturbances in sleep architecture (delayed sleep onset,
frequent arousals and increased time of wakefulness after sleep onset) are also frequently common. Although
prior studies have shown that many patients with PWS have relatively mild abnormalities in ventilation during
sleep, it has been known for some time that certain individuals may experience severe obstructive events that
may be unpredictable. Factors that seem to increase the risk of sleep disordered breathing include young age, severe hypotonia,
narrow airway, morbid obesity and prior respiratory problems requiring intervention such as respiratory
failure, reactive airway disease and hypoventilation with hypoxia. Due to a few recent fatalities reported
in individuals with PWS who were on growth hormone therapy (GH) some physicians have also added
this as an additional risk factor. One possibility (that is currently unproven) is that GH could increase the
growth of lymphoid tissue in the airway, thus worsening already existing hypoventilation or OSA. Nonetheless,
it must be emphasized that there are currently no definitive data demonstrating that GH causes or worsens
sleep disordered breathing. However, to address this new concern, as well as the historically well documented
increased risk of sleep-related breathing abnormalities in PWS, the Clinical Advisory Board of the PWSA
(USA) makes the following recommendations: 1. A sleep study or a polysomnogram that includes measurement of oxygen saturation and carbon dioxide
for evaluation of hypoventilation, upper airway obstruction, obstructive sleep apnea and central apnea
should be contemplated for all individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome. These studies should include
sleep staging and be evaluated by experts with sufficient expertise for the age of the patient being studied. 2. Risk factors that should be considered to expedite the scheduling of a sleep study should include: Severe obesity — weight over 200 percent of ideal body weight (IBW).
History of chronic respiratory infections or reactive airway disease (asthma).
History of snoring, sleep apnea or frequent awakenings from sleep.
History of excessive daytime sleepiness, especially if this is getting worse.
Before major surgery, including tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
Prior to sedation for procedures, imaging scans and dental work.
Prior to starting growth hormone or if currently receiving growth hormone therapy.
Additional sleep studies should be considered if patients have the onset of one of these risk factors, especially a
sudden increase in weight or change in exercise tolerance. If a patient is being treated with growth hormone,
it is not necessary to stop the growth hormone before obtaining a sleep study unless there has been a new
onset of significant respiratory problems. 69
Growth Hormone and Prader-Willi Syndrome — Second Edition
Any abnormalities in sleep studies should be discussed with the ordering physician and a pulmonary specialist
knowledgeable about treating sleep disturbances to ensure that a detailed plan for treatment and management
is made. Referral to a pediatric or adult pulmonologist with experience in treating sleep apnea is strongly
encouraged for management of the respiratory care. In addition to a calorically restricted diet to ensure weight loss or maintenance of an appropriate weight,
a management plan may include modalities such as: Supplemental oxygen
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or BiPAP
Oxygen should be used with care, as some individuals may have hypoxemia as their only ventilatory
drive and oxygen therapy may actually worsen their breathing at night.
Behavior training is sometimes needed to gain acceptance of CPAP or BiPAP.
Medications to treat behavior may be required to ensure adherence to the treatment plan.
If sleep studies are abnormal in the morbidly obese child or adult (IBW>200%) the primary problem of weight
should be addressed with an intensive intervention — specifically, an increase in exercise and dietary restriction. Both are far preferable to surgical interventions of all kinds. Techniques for achieving this are available
from clinics and centers that provide care for individuals with PWS and from the national parent support
organization (PWSA-USA). Behavioral problems interfering with diet and exercise may need to be addressed
simultaneously by persons experienced with PWS. If airway-related surgery is considered, the treating surgeon and anesthesiologist should be knowledgeable about the unique pre- and postoperative problems found in individuals affected by Prader-Willi
syndrome (see “Medical News” article regarding “Anesthesia and PWS” written by Drs. Loker and Rosenfeld
in The Gathered View, vol. 26, Nov. — Dec., 2001 or visit www.pwsausa.org). Tracheostomy surgery and
management presents unique problems for people with PWS and should be avoided in all but the most
extreme cases. Tracheostomy is typically not warranted in the compromised, morbidly obese individual
because the fundamental defect is virtually always hypoventilation, not obstruction. Self-endangerment and
injury to the site are common in individuals with PWS who have tracheostomies placed. At this time there is no direct evidence of a causative link between growth hormone and the respiratory problems seen in PWS. Growth hormone has been shown to have many beneficial effects in most individuals with
PWS, including improvement in the respiratory system. Decisions in the management of abnormal sleep studies should include a risk/benefit ratio of growth hormone therapy. It may be reassuring for the family and
the treating physician to obtain a sleep study prior to the initiation of growth hormone therapy and after
6-8 weeks of therapy to assess the difference that growth hormone therapy may make. A follow-up study
after one year of treatment with growth hormone may also be indicated. Members of the Clinical Advisory Board are available for consultation with physicians and families through the
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA). Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA)
8588 Potter Park Drive, Suite 500
Sarasota, Florida 34238
Telephone: 800-926-4797 or 941-312-0400
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MILESTONES
1956Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is first described in a published article
by Swiss doctors Prader, Willi and Labhart
Human growth hormone is first isolated by scientists
1958The first growth hormone injection is given to a human, using growth
hormone extracted from the pituitary of a cadaver (deceased person)
1972
The chemical structure of human growth hormone is discovered
1985Use of human growth hormone from cadavers is halted after several
patients develop a deadly brain disease (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or
CJD) from contaminated extract
The first synthetic (manufactured) growth hormone is approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of children
with growth hormone deficiency
1987The first article on the effect of growth hormone treatment in PWS
is published in a medical journal
1992The first major presentation on growth hormone treatment in PWS
is given at a PWSA (USA) conference
1996The FDA approves GH for treatment of adults with growth hormone
deficiency
1997Results of the first controlled scientific studies on GH treatment in
PWS (in Europe) are published
1999Results of the first U.S. controlled study of GH treatment in PWS are
published
2000The FDA approves the first GH treatment specifically for children
with growth failure due to PWS (Genotropin®/Pfizer)
2010The FDA approves a second GH treatment specifically for children
with growth failure due to PWS (Omnitrope®/Sandoz)
PWSA (USA) gratefully acknowledges the following
who helped to make the Second Edition of this publication possible.
Eastside High School
300 Brushy Creek Road
Taylors, South Carolina 29687
(Student-Sponsored
Spirit Week Fundraiser)
RGK Foundation
1301West 25th Street
Suite 300
Austin, Texas 78705-4236
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